Muscle Aches in Children: Care Instructions

Muscle aches have many possible causes. Some common ones are overuse, tension, and injuries such as a strained muscle. An infection such as the flu can cause muscle aches. Or the aches may be caused by some medicines. Muscle aches may also be a symptom of a health problem. Myalgia is the medical term for muscle aches.

Your child's doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions to try to find what is causing your child's pain. Your child may also have tests such as blood tests or imaging tests like X-rays. These can help find or rule out serious problems.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

• Have your child rest the area that hurts. Your child may need to stop or reduce the activity that causes symptoms and then return to it slowly.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to the area that hurts. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.