Muscle Aches in Children
- Muscle aches in children can be as result of trauma. Children may strain or sprain a muscle during play or by overusing their muscles. A child who is under a lot of stress and tension may also experience muscle aches. If this is the cause, the child should follow the doctor's orders and be sure to get plenty of rest. If a strain or sprain is the cause, the child should avoid using the affected muscle, or muscles, until the ache subsides.
- Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, also referred to as an inflammatory disease, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. This disease occurs in three stages. The initial symptoms that occur during stage one include muscle aches as well as fever, chills, lethargy and headache. Treating Lyme disease consists of administering antibiotics to eliminate the infection and anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate the muscle aches and joint stiffness.
- Seasonal influenza, also referred to as the flu, is a contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. This virus can sometimes develop into a serious illness that can cause death. According the the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 5 to 20 percent of Americans get the flu every year. In addition to muscle aches, children with the flu may experience fever, stuffy or runny nose, headache, sore throat, extreme fatigue, dry cough, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Many children with the flu are able to recover without medical intervention with rest, plenty of fluids and children's acetaminophen to reduce their fever. However, if these methods are not working their doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat this virus.
- Trichinosis, also referred to as roundworm, is caused by eating certain meats, such as pork, horse, bear, rat and fox, that are undercooked. This infection is not seen often in the United States, but when it occurs it can become serious if untreated. This infection is caused by trichinella cysts, that are present in certain undercooked meats, breaking open inside the child's intestine and developing into adult roundworms. In addition to muscle aches, children may experience fever, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and cramping. There is no specific treatment for this infection, but medications such as Albendazole or Mebendazole may be beneficial in treating any intestinal infection. The child may also be given pain killers to help alleviate their muscle aches and cramping.
- Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease characterized by significant muscle aches and muscle weakness. This skeletal muscle disease can affect people of all ages. When it affects children it most often affects those between 5 and 15 years of age. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. In addition to muscle aches and muscle weakness, other symptoms may include shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, morning stiffness, fever, weight loss, anorexia (due to trouble swallowing), fatigue and joint pain.