Noticed one of DD's legs thinner than the other

[anywinewilldo]

Only noticed today. She is 8. Worried. Any ideas, or is this normal? I haven't measured difference as I don't want to worry her. Can't stop looking at her legs now! It's thigh and calf. No pain. Anyone?

[MrsCantSayAnything]

Has she complained in the past of pain? It might not hurt now...but can you remember it hurting in the past year or so?

[anywinewilldo]

No, nothing! I'm mystified.

[TheEnthusiasticTroll]

Get it checked out can be a symptom of vascular problems

[botandhothered]

Is the thinner one more in proportion to the rest of her body? How much difference is there betwween the two?

[anywinewilldo]

Not that much difference or I think I would have noticed before. DH thinks I'm mad. What sort of vascular problems - would there be other symptoms?

[botandhothered]

Does she do any sport that could use one leg more than the other?

[anywinewilldo]

No, no sport which would result in a dominant leg.

[mawbroon]

Scooter?

[anywinewilldo]

No, no scooter!

[TheEnthusiasticTroll]

Any narrowing or deterioration of the arteries that feed the leg. I think other symptoms would possibly be pain, change in temperature or colour.

It is possibly more likely to be a difference in growth between the two legs, just aware I may have freaked you out sorry. But it is defiantly worth checking out if you think it is quite significant.

[anywinewilldo]

No pain, change in temp or colour. Does that mean vascular problem unlikely? She's been running round as usual.

[MousyMouse]

is it a 'muscular' difference or does one look sort of swollen?

we see a consultant regularly because of dc's curve in the spine and he recons that many children are growing assymetrically. and that scooters should be banned could one leg just be her dominant leg? my left arm is much more muscular because it's my 'carrying' arm.

[Themobstersknife]

Any other symptoms? I have something called KTS but it has other symptoms associated.

[TheEnthusiasticTroll]

I don't know I'm not qualified to diagnose I am just aware that it can be a sign.

[anywinewilldo]

It certainly looks like a muscular difference rather than swelling. It's her left leg that's bigger and she's right-handed, if that makes any difference. She's grown a lot in the last year.

Thanks everyone for your responses! It's good to be able to ask things on here I might feel a bit silly going to GP for.

[anywinewilldo]

PS No other symptoms that I'm aware of.

[Themobstersknife]

Oh good. I have varicose veins and port wine stain. Not the end of the world but wouldn't wish it on your DD. x

[DeWe]

How different?

Is it different in length too?

Dd2 is smaller on everything on her left hand side. Her ear is 1cm smaller, and she was born with her left hand missing-those are the biggest differences, but her left leg is slightly narrower, her left eye socket, her left foot, etc. I believe it is normal (checked with her consultants at the limb centre) to have not quite the same size of everything. It's just unusual for it all to be the left side.

[narmada]

CHeck her out next time she's standing. Does she stand on one leg? I do this, and as a result my thighs and bum cheeks look different sizes/ one is more toned than other

[anywinewilldo]

OK, I measured her. It wasn't very scientifically done but I reckon there's about a half centimetre difference between left and right calf at their widest point. Does anyone have any idea whether this might be within normal variation for an 8 year old? Legs don't seem different in length, just width. Arms look the same.

Narmada - I have ben watching her closely the last couple of days and I haven't noticed her using the "larger" leg any more than the other for anything.

[AmiAiden]

Hi!
Sorry but i just came across your conversation. My DD is almost 8 now and i notice the same? What did you do time before?
thanks