8 year old, periodic leg pain and falling down for months now.

[Motor Mouth]

My 8 year old DD has been complaining for several monthes about periodic leg pain, and occasional falling down.

I brushed it aside. I chalked it up to growing pains I guess. My DD tends to be a drama queen. "Oh your leg hurts? That is too bad, did you do your homework?" or "You fell down? Sorry to hear that. Time for bed." Sometimes there would be weeks inbetween her complaints. I wasn't worried at first. I figured it was something to worry about, then symptoms would progress and become more frequent.

One night a couple of weeks ago and another complaint of legs felt weak and they hurt and I fell down, I decided to ask more questions.

She says her leg (sometimes the other one) feels like there are marbles moving around everywhere, and it is slightly painful, more discomfort. It is from just above the kneecap down to the top of her foot...everywhere, but NOT behind the kneecap itself. Her affected leg will feel week, and once in a while she will fall down because the leg will give out. It happens during the day, not at night or bedtime.

I did take her to the pediatrican last week. He gave her a thorough look over, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. She had a complete bloodwork, and everything came back normal. Doctor says if this continues, to take her to a neurologist.

The leg pains I think I could still possibly chalk up to growing pains... but the occasional falling down? That has me baffled.

Anyone else's child experience occasional leg pains during the day? With or without the falling down? Does this sound like growing pains? Restless leg syndrome? Any ideas?

Thanks for any experience any of you might have had.
Barb

 

[Tham]

That's a great age for them starting to use medical complaints to get attention. Not saying that this is the problem.....just remembering my own kids.

Have you asked her teacher if she complains at school and/or falls down? A little sleuthing might tell you if this is behavior she only does at home or if it's a complaint she has at different times and places.....that would be more suggestive of disease.

I know your mom radar is going nuts wondering of she's really sick. I remember my 7 year old complaining of knee pain and her knee was covered with giant bruises...bruises that had been small a couple days before. Turned out she was really sick and made me feel as if I knew nothing. So don't worry about how you react....it's a tough age for all of us moms.

But do some checking to see if she only complains in front of you. And then consider making the appointment with the neurologist if it persists.

Hang in there, mom.

Mom to 34 and 32 year olds.

 

[permafrost]

Thank you for answering me. In the beginning a couple of months ago, I down played it. I thought too that perhaps she was wanting some extra attention. But after months of occasional complaints I am beginning to wonder......