What Causes Muscle Cramps?
Discussion
Leg pain is a relatively common problem in children. Usually it is idiopathic in origin but can be the sign of organic pathology. The differential diagnosis can be found here.
Noctural legs cramps have been found to occur in about 7% of healthy children. They start after age 8 and peak at 16-18 years of age. Cramps that are idiopathic are unilateral, and those with organic causes can be uni- or bi-lateral. Most episodes last only a few minutes but those lasting longer than 10 minutes are more likely to have an organic etiology.
Learning Point
The differential diagnosis of nocturnal muscle cramping in children includes:
Idiopathic – most common
Endocrine
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Exercise
Myalgia due to overuse
Compartment syndrome
Myoglobinuria
Fluids and Electrolytes
Poor fluid intake
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
Hypomagnesemia
Metabolic alkalosis
Neurological
Contracture
Neuropathy
Sleep disorders
Restless legs syndrome – causes brief sustained muscle contractions
Periodic limb movement disorder
Other
Growing pains
Medication
Positioning, abnormal
Pregnancy
Vascular disease
Growing pains are a common problem but do not have hard muscular contraction. Growing pains are chronic pain of both legs that occur in the evening and night with normal physical examination and laboratory testing.
The pain is in the thigh or calf muscles. The pain can occur over weeks or months.
Questions for Further Discussion
1. What are indications for a s...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: pediatriceducationmin Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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