Pediatric Leg Pain After a Cold: When to Seek Help

A cold can cause difficulty in standing and walking?

Hello, my dog was born in 1989.
On Sunday night, he had a fever of 39.8 degrees Celsius, fluctuating throughout the night, and he complained of pain in his legs and arms, asking me to massage him.
The next day, we went to the clinic, and the doctor said it was a cold, noting some redness in his throat and a bit of nasal discharge.
The pain in his limbs might be related to the cold.
He took some medication and felt almost better by Wednesday morning.
However, on Wednesday night, he complained of severe pain in his calves, walking with a limp.
At first, I didn't pay much attention, thinking he might have been playing at school or something.
But this morning, he couldn't get out of bed, saying the pain had started last night, but he couldn't come down to tell me.
I noticed he couldn't stand on his right leg, but he could stretch and crawl while lying down.
When I returned home tonight, he said both legs hurt equally.
In the morning, he could stand on his left leg, but by evening, he couldn't stand on either leg.
I observed that he didn't seem to be in pain while doing certain movements, like sitting cross-legged.
What kind of specialist should I take him to see? I'm really worried that a virus might be affecting his legs.
What tests should be done? A worried mother.

Miss Feng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/12/21

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello,
Indeed, there have been many children recently presenting to the clinic with lower limb pain and difficulty walking.
The vast majority of these cases are due to viral infections leading to myositis.
It is advisable to first consult a general pediatrician.
Depending on the situation, the physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and may also order blood tests to check for muscle inflammation markers and kidney function.
If the blood tests are normal and the symptoms gradually improve within a week, there is no need for excessive concern.

Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Pei Ren-Sheng

Reply Date: 2006/12/21

More Info

It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning situation regarding your child's leg pain following a recent illness. It's understandable to feel anxious as a parent when your child is experiencing unexplained pain, especially after a fever and cold symptoms. Let's break down the situation and provide some guidance on when to seek further medical help.

Understanding the Symptoms
From your description, your child initially had a high fever and cold-like symptoms, which are common in viral infections. It's not unusual for children to experience body aches, including leg pain, during such illnesses. However, the persistence and progression of the leg pain, especially the inability to bear weight, raises some important considerations.

1. Post-Viral Myalgia: After a viral infection, it's common for children to experience muscle aches and pains. This is often due to the body's immune response to the virus. However, this pain typically resolves as the child recovers from the illness.

2. Possible Complications: While most viral infections are self-limiting, there are rare cases where complications can arise. For example, some viral infections can lead to conditions like reactive arthritis or other inflammatory responses that may cause joint or muscle pain.

3. Injury or Strain: It's also possible that your child could have sustained a minor injury while playing, which may not have been immediately apparent. Children often do not express discomfort until the pain becomes significant.

When to Seek Medical Help
Given that your child is now unable to stand and is experiencing pain in both legs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Here are some signs that warrant immediate evaluation:
- Inability to Bear Weight: If your child cannot stand or walk without significant pain, this is a concerning sign that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

- Persistent Pain: If the pain does not improve or worsens over time, it is essential to have it assessed.

- Swelling or Redness: Any visible swelling, redness, or warmth in the legs could indicate an inflammatory process or infection that needs to be addressed.

- Fever or Other Symptoms: If your child develops a fever again or exhibits other concerning symptoms (such as rash, difficulty breathing, or severe fatigue), seek medical care immediately.

Recommended Actions
1. Visit a Pediatrician: Start by taking your child to a pediatrician. They can perform a thorough examination and determine if further tests are necessary, such as blood tests or imaging studies (like X-rays) to rule out any serious conditions.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your child's symptoms, including the intensity of the pain, any new symptoms, and how they respond to rest or over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen).

3. Rest and Comfort: Encourage your child to rest and avoid putting weight on the painful leg(s) until they can be evaluated by a doctor.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure your child stays hydrated and eats nutritious foods to support their recovery.

Conclusion
While it is common for children to experience aches and pains after a viral illness, the inability to walk and persistent pain should not be ignored. Seeking medical attention will help ensure that any underlying issues are identified and treated appropriately. Your child's health and comfort are paramount, and getting a professional evaluation will provide peace of mind and the necessary care.

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