Home
Health Encyclopedia
Print
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Leg Pain in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Many things can cause leg pain. Too much exercise or overuse can cause a muscle cramp (or charley horse). Your child can get leg cramps from not eating a balanced diet that has enough potassium, calcium, and other minerals. If your child does not drink enough fluids or is taking certain medicines, your child may get leg cramps. Other causes of leg pain include injuries, blood flow problems, and nerve damage.

You can usually ease your child's pain at home. Your doctor may recommend that your child rest the leg and keep it elevated.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Give pain medicines exactly as directed.

    • If the doctor prescribed medicine for your child's pain, use it as prescribed.

    • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

  • Give your child any other medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.

  • Have your child rest the leg while there is pain. Your child should not stand for long periods of time.

  • Prop up your child's leg at or above the level of their heart when possible.

  • Make sure your child is eating a balanced diet that is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

  • If directed by your doctor, put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.

  • Your child's leg may be in a splint, a brace, or an elastic bandage, and your child may have crutches to help with walking. Follow your doctor's directions about how long your child needs to wear supports and how to use the crutches.

When should you call for help?

../images/Call-for-help_icn.jpgCall 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

 

  • Your child has sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or your child coughs up blood.

 

  • Your child's leg is cool or pale or changes color.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

 

  • Your child has increasing or severe pain.

 

  • Your child's leg suddenly feels weak and your child cannot move it.

 

  • Your child has signs of infection, such as:

    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

    • Red streaks leading from the sore area.

    • Pus draining from a place on the leg.

    • A fever.

 

  • Your child cannot bear weight on the leg.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

 

  • Your child does not get better as expected.

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

© 2006-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.