pain in a young child

Question

My 4 years old CF daughter complains for already one year about acute and very frequent pains (3 - 4 times a week) in legs (knee, ankle). Especially after intense physical activity. It wakes her at night frequently. Nevertheless, no redness, nor heat. According to the CF centre, it is not an inflammatory syndrome. Nevertheless the pain is very real, calmed by Acetaminophen and relieved temporarily by massages. Have you an idea of what it could be ?

Answer

Hello,
Pain is a frequent symptom in childhood, however we do not always identify an organic cause. In cystic fibrosis, we can find joint pains, but they are mostly associated to inflammatory signs (oedema, redness, stiffness). Some medicines (ciprofloxacine for example) can also be related to joint pains. The fact that your daughter does not present any signs of inflammation is rather reassuring. However frequent and persistent pains, especially if they cause a night-awakening may justify a specialized advise and possibly a biological and radiological assessment in search of an infectious or inflammatory cause.
Sincerely,
Dr Sophie Ravilly

18.01.2011