Feet and Wrists pain - Getting a Diagnosis.

[Olympias]

Hi all

my son has been having pains in the sides of his feet for about half a year. We've been to the GPs a few times with it, with no results (no diagnosis). Then, two months ago he was referred to a podiatrist (non-paediatrics). The podiatrist did not find anything, based just on her observations at the time of the appointment. She said she could prescribe insoles if it would make me feel better , but she did not expect it would make a difference (???!!!). Based on this exchange, she doesn?t sound that qualified to me.

In the last two months things got progressively worth, especially with the left foot. As he walks, he is trying to flex his foot, bending his knee as the same time and pointing his toes inwards. He says it helps to alleviate the pain. He also started complaining of the pain in his wrists, which went from being occasional to pretty much constant. I am starting to fear all sorts of things, such as juvenile arthritis, after perusing internet.

My questions:
Does anyone has a child with this sort of symptoms? What did you do about it? Did you get a diagnosis?

Any experiences that can help me to proceed in order to get the right care?

Can I ask the GP to refer my son to paediatrics specialists, rather then to a ?non-children-specific? specialist?

Sorry for so many questions. I am at my wits end.

bump

My son was referred to a paediatric podiatrist when he started complaining of ankle and wrist pain in September (5yrs and just started yr1), how old is your ds?

She gave him these othoritics and he has to wear them in every set of shoes, he can't have the black pumps for PE only proper trainers and wears slippers and orthotics at home. He is running much better since he had them and we now know he has joint hypermobility.
Unfortunantly, due to funding, now that they have found a solution we have been discharged and advised to keep buying the orthotics for him when his feet grow (at £30 a pair). He 'doesn't need' psyio and we were just encouraged to get him swimming, cycling and jumping on a trampoline to improve his muscle tone and core strength. We've also had some guidance to help with him sitting at table (feet flat on floor) and School have a 'care plan' which means, for example, he gets to stop during PE if he is tired as aposed to being told to keeping going - we still haven't worked out what to do about 'carpet time' and assembly though as he says it hurts his legs but doesn't want to sit on a chair because he will be different....

I'm not sure if that helps you - I'd step away from google and go back to the GP, he shouldn't be in pain they need to refer you to someone who can help knows what they are talking about only other route if your child is at School is to speak to SENCO and ask for their advice, some are good and some terrible but it helped us that another child in my son's School has hypermobility so they knew what to put in place and how to help.

It does sound like just hypermobility rather than juvenile arthritis, although a lot of kids with JIA also have hypermobility. Both my DC have hypermobility but one also has JIA.
Try this - check his tongue. Is it really long and is the stringy bit underneath barely there? That's another sign.
There's no pill for hypermobility, the only 'cure' is exercise and building string muscles. Swimming is great, they also make very good gymnasts. Good luck

I'm a podiatrist and it sounds like paeds really isnt her thing (nor mine give me a lovely wound any day).

A pediatrician could diagnose it too, it shouldnt hurt to walk and if he is altering his gait then that can cause more problems.

Hi

My DD2 (6) had mysterious pains in feet and lower legs - became most noticeable when we started walking to school in mornings when she was in reception. Also had difficulty in climbing, running, jumping etc. One foot used to turn inwards. At 4yrs I took her to GP who referred to paediatrician, who in turn referred her to physio. Physio diagnosed joint hypermobility. Have now been signed off by paed & physio. Advised by physio to continue moderate, regular exercise (swimming, moderate trampoling, cycling & also DD2's school does daily 'Fun Fit' sessions for children w. mobility/co-ordination issues), + supportive shoes. If I were you, I'd go back to GP and ask for referral to a paediatrician. (& step away from the google! )

Hi

My DD2 (6) had mysterious pains in feet and lower legs - became most noticeable when we started walking to school in mornings when she was in reception. Also had difficulty in climbing, running, jumping etc. One foot used to turn inwards. At 4yrs I took her to GP who referred to paediatrician, who in turn referred her to physio. Physio diagnosed joint hypermobility. Have now been signed off by paed & physio. Advised by physio to continue moderate, regular exercise (swimming, moderate trampoling, cycling & also DD2's school does daily 'Fun Fit' sessions for children w. mobility/co-ordination issues), + supportive shoes. If I were you, I'd go back to GP and ask for referral to a paediatrician. (& step away from the google! )

Thank you guys! Your messages are very helpful. I will step away from Google (even though it is HARD). Have booked an appointment with the GP.