Chronic Joint Pains in Kids & When to See a Pediatric

Joint pain in children can be a normal part of growing up. But when the complaint becomes frequent, it can be concerning. So, how do you differentiate between common causes of joint pain, and those that may require more specialized care, such as from a pediatric rheumatologist.
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​​​​Common Causes of Joint Pain in Children
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• Growing Pains: Often occur in the legs and are more common at night. They can involve the joints or muscles, but rarely cause joint swelling or inflammation.

• Injury or Overuse: Physical activity can lead to strains, sprains, or overuse injuries, particularly in active children.

• Hypermobility Syndrome: Children who have hypermobile joints--or can move their joints beyond the normal range of motion, are more prone to chronic joint pains as well as joint dislocations. This is especially true if they’re very active as overuse can worsen chronic joint pain in kids with hypermobility.

• Viral Infections: Some viruses can cause joint pain as a symptom, such as parvovirus, COVID, Strep, or the flu.

• Transient Synovitis: A temporary inflammation of the hip joint that often follows a viral or bacterial infection. It usually resolves on its own.

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When to Consider Seeing a Pediatric Rheumatologist
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If the joint pain is persistent or associated with other concerning symptoms, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires the expertise of a pediatric rheumatologist. Consider a referral if you notice:
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• Chronic Joint Pain: Lasting more than 4-6 weeks.

• Joint Swelling: Persistent swelling in one or more joints for at least 6 consecutive weeks.

• Morning Stiffness: Stiffness after waking up that improves during the day.

• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving a joint or reluctance to use a limb.

• Fever, Rash, or Weight Loss: Systemic symptoms alongside joint pain could indicate an autoimmune or inflammatory condition.

• Family History of Autoimmune Disease: A family history may increase the likelihood of conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

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Potential Conditions Requiring Rheumatology Evaluation
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• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A group of autoimmune conditions causing chronic joint inflammation in children.

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain along with other systemic symptoms such a fever, weight loss, rash, and inflammation in various organs such as the heart or kidneys.

• Kawasaki Disease: An inflammatory condition that affects the blood vessels and can cause joint pain along with other serious symptoms.

• Rheumatic Fever: Following a streptococcal infection, this can cause joint pain, fever, and heart complications.

• Juvenile Dermatomyositis: A systemic vasculitis that can cause chronic joint pain in kids along with muscle weakness and rash (that’s typically worse in the sun).

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Summary
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While joint pain in kids is often benign, persistent or severe cases with additional symptoms may warrant a referral to a pediatric rheumatologist for further evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatologic conditions can improve outcomes and prevent long-term complications.
Would you like more specific guidance on evaluating or managing these cases?
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Call Rheum to Grow at 713-903-8224 for more information to see how we can help!
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