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Children's health

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Original poster

Growing pains and limping

21 replies

Mumtogremlins · 21/05/2013 23:22

My DS is 4 and has been limping and complaining of pain in his feet and ankles mainly for about 10 days now. Took him to doc and she said it was growing pains
I'm not convinced as the pain is always there, its there all day, it doesn't bother him at night but is there when he gets up. I'm worried as growing pains shouldn't cause limping should it? The doc was quite dismissive but wondering whether to get a second opinion.
Thanks

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AnyFucker · 21/05/2013 23:30

Did the GP do any blood tests ?

Take DS back and ask for these to rule out stuff like infection in a joint or inflammatory markers for a rheumatological cause

is he otherwise well in himself ?

Original poster

Mumtogremlins · 21/05/2013 23:35

Thanks. The GP didn't do any blood tests. He is absolutely fine otherwise and has had no temperature or infection or anything like that. I wondered if he might have flat feet or something but all kids feet look flat at this age!

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AnyFucker · 21/05/2013 23:46

it could be something like flat feet throwing out the alignment in his other joints

by age 4, he should be developing some semblance of an arch in his feet

still, the GP could refer for further investigation

ask for a referral to a paediatrician, who may then refer you on to a paediatric physio or podiatrist (or directly in some areas)

do his feet actually roll inwards like in the pics in this link ? (ignore the ads, it was the best picture I could find quickly)

Original poster

Mumtogremlins · 22/05/2013 14:42

Took him back to GP - she didn't know! Said to give it a bit longer to see if it gets better.

His feet do look a bit like that - no arch and rolled over a bit. But my 7 year olds feet are similar and he has no foot problems.

Before I go back again and get referred, can Clarks/Start Rite look at their feet and tell if there's a problem with flat feet?

OP posts:

AnyFucker · 22/05/2013 15:53

Start Rite shop assistants are quite good but they are not health professionals.

You could try a shop bought insole (Boots do them) but they are difficult to get the exact right size for a child's foot, which is why I think it would have been better for the GP to refer you to a podiatrist, orthotist or physio (who can refer on if needed)

and if insoles didn't help you would never know if that was really the case as they wouldn't have been tailor made for him, IYSWIM

I don't understand why the GP isn't referring you...4 yo's don't limp for no reason

Pandabear2013 · 22/05/2013 16:08

Has your little one had a cold or a virus in the last few weeks?

Pandabear2013 · 22/05/2013 16:13

Sorry I meant a few weeks before the onset of the joint pain

Original poster

Mumtogremlins · 22/05/2013 16:47

I've seen 2 emergency GPs who I've never heard of before, as that's the only appts I can get at short notice. Half term next week so probably difficult to get another one. I've not got much faith in GPs as it is

He had a temperature/headache virus at the end of April but seems fine now. Nothing is swollen or inflamed so its a bit of a mystery!

OP posts:

AnyFucker · 22/05/2013 19:08

I think the GP you have seen is probably correct with the "growing pains" diagnosis (going off what you have said) but that is a very old fashioned term and the symptoms are taken more seriously these days

I don't mean it is anything different to worry about more, just that is a more widely held view that it is treatable instead of just shrugging shoulders and saying "growing pains... meh "

AnyFucker · 22/05/2013 19:11

oops, didn't notice your post about the viral illness a few weeks ago

that could be significant, but unlikely to be anything more serious than post-viral aches and pains if there are no swollen/inflamed joints

I would still take him back in a few days though if it doesn't settle

hellsbells99 · 23/05/2013 07:40

According to the doc we saw at Alder Hey, there is no such thing as growing pains! DD had joint pains and I insisted on a referral. We were told her problems were caused by hypermobility. The hospital did blood tests etc to check there was no other problems. Ask to be referred.

Original poster

Mumtogremlins · 23/05/2013 10:20

Hypermobility did cross my mind as I have it! From what I've read though, the pain is worse at night. I know friends children with it and they are up all night. He is fine at night which is strange. I will see if the half term rest helps

OP posts:

crashdoll · 23/05/2013 10:46

Hypermobility or some type of inflammatory arthritis crossed my mind. The latter must be diagnosed early and I'd push for a rheumatology referral if I were you. He's not just complaining of pain but he is limping too.

Pandabear2013 · 23/05/2013 16:17

Go back and tell the GP he had a virus a few weeks before the onset of the limping

Pandabear2013 · 23/05/2013 20:54

Sorry my message seemed a bit short. Some kids get inflamed joints post virus but you won't usually see redness or swelling usually affects them between the age of 4 and 10 years. Normally settles with ibuprofen and rest after about two weeks. Put in irritable hip into the nhs information service and see if this looks familiar to what you are seeing. Kindest regards

Original poster

Mumtogremlins · 01/06/2013 09:05

I was hoping the rest over half term would help. It has improved a bit but he is still limping. I'm taking him back to the doc on Tuesday
The symptoms of irritable hip do look familiar but he says his hips don't hurt - just feet and ankles. Could it be referred pain that far down the leg?

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NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 01/06/2013 09:12

I just took my DD to drs for the same reason, I was the one thinking it would be dismissed as growing pains but he took it quite seriously and has referred us to physio for further investigation. He suggested flat feet or hyper mobility.

Original poster

Mumtogremlins · 01/06/2013 13:27

Hopefully the doc will take it seriously this time as he's been limping for nearly 3 weeks. Just feel really sorry for him

OP posts:

fatsatsuma · 09/06/2013 09:05

Mumtogremlins how is DS? How did you get on at the GP on Tuesday? I hope he's on the mend.

I looked at your thread because my DD (5) has quite similar symptoms. Pains usually worse at night but also sometimes limps during the day. Her pains are at the top of her legs. But she also has very swollen lymph nodes in her neck and groin, and has had several nasty bugs recently. Our GP has been very good and we'll see her again tomorrow, and I guess blood tests may be the next thing.

mandmsmummy · 13/06/2013 20:46

My son was like this, two years of doc saying growing pains, pushed for referral, consultant said no such thing as growing pains and its hypermobility. Has inserts in his shoes. Good luck x

LoveSewingBee · 13/06/2013 22:57

Sorry to say this, but growing pains don't exist - Your GP is fobbing you off and that does not inspire confidence.

Sudden and persistent limping can be an early indicator of certain diseases and it is important for this to be ruled ou. I would INSIST on a full blood test.

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