A 22-month-old's leg pain can be severe and unnerving. In most cases, the cause is a minor injury or growing pains, according to pediatrician Dr. William Sears. In cases of severe pain or pain that does not go away after a day or two, however, toddlers require medical care. Carefully monitor your child for swelling, fever and other symptoms of infection and serious injury.
Symptoms
Leg pain in toddlers ranges from mild to severe, and the degree of pain often doesn't reveal much about its cause, notes Sears. Babies frequently experience leg pain after falling, at night and shortly after they begin walking. Common leg pain should not be associated with a fever, dizziness or other symptoms. These symptoms might indicate a serious illness or systemic infection that require medical care.
Causes
Children often suffer from growing pains in the middle of the night, according to the Babycenter website. Although these pains are most common in children between the ages of 3 and 5, younger children still frequently experience them. Deep bruises from a recent fall or injury also might cause leg pain. Muscle and ligament irritation from strains and sprains are uncommon causes of toddler leg pain, but if your child has recently fallen, she could have a muscular injury. Rarely, leg pain may indicates a broken leg. If there is swelling around the affected area, your child might have a serious injury.
Treatment
Most often, pediatricians advise watchful waiting for leg pain that has no clear cause. If your child has recently fallen, her pediatrician will probably perform an X-ray to check for fractures and severe sprains. If your child has sustained an injury, the doctor might wrap the area or put it in a cast to immobilize it. Massaging the affected area frequently helps growing pains. Encourage your child to stretch out her leg rather than keeping it folded and still.
Prevention
Adequate hydration can help prevent growing pains, according to pediatric nutritionist Lyn Marotz, so encourage your child to avoid soda and juices and drink plenty of water. Hold your 22-month-old's hand when she walks up steps and encourage her to be careful when walking near large objects and items on which she can trip. If your child rides a tricycle or plays sports, make her wear protective gear, such as knee pads and shin guards, to protect her legs.
References
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; Dr. William Sears, M et al.; 2011
- "Caring For Your Baby and Young Child"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child"; Lyn R. Marotz; 2011
- Babycenter; Growing Pains; Ann Lane
