My son began complaining of leg pain the other day... and now is having trouble walking...even in the morning.

Question

My son began complaining of leg pain the other day... and now is having trouble walking...even in the morning. His left knee is a touch swollen and he is avoiding moving it or putting too much pressure on it...he did insist on getting the mail for me today though...I wrapped his knee and put him comfortably on the couch. as I was lifting him he complained of his neck hurting/popping. I am researching what this might be and wanted to see if any professionals out there have any ideas...

they say growing pains is common but children don't limp or have pain in the mornings, juvenille arthritis could also be responsible, md and lyme disease also fit symptoms. but I couldn't find a tick. and he has not rash or fever.

My husband just switched jobs and we do not have insurance. I have also begun to shy away from medical doctors cause misdiagnosis is so common. any ideas?

Answer 1

Such serious pain really needs to be checked out by a doctor, regardless of insurance...your son's good health is important. Use compressive thermal supports to ease pain & reduce joint stress. He needs to stay off the leg.

Answer 2

It could be so many things, did he hit his knee? it could be a hard situation specially because you do not have any insurance, but a visit to the doctor is well worth it do your best and take him to an E.R or you will regret it in a future.

Answer 3

It sounds like it could be Lyme disease. Knee problems just like that are common. They come out of nowhere, swell, and cause problems. It's so strange how the symptoms appear. Neck pains are common too.

The rash isn't a necessary sign. Actually it only occurs 40% of the time.

This is the kind of thing that you want treated, because the longer it is untreated, generally the harder it is to heal.

The tests aren't accurate, so this can make things difficult. If you're in an endemic area, perhaps the doctor can be more proactive, rather than waiting for the rash, or a positive test result.

Either way, this is something that you want to get treated by someone good.

Answer 4

I know going to the doctor may not seem the best or easiest idea but if this ends up being something serious that isn't taken care of he could become crippled or get worse.

Answer 5

I understand that you don't have insurance at the moment...Any idea how long until you get insurance again, can you utilize cobra for family coverage while waiting to get new insurance through his new employer?

Overall take him to a doctor, or ask him if he bumped his knee on something, or if he is sleeping awkwardly.  Granted given the symptoms are both the knee and neck and you think it sounds like lyme disease i'd say it's best to see a doctor.  

The tick may no longer be there as it's already burrowed, layed eggs and died off, you should look for swollen spots on the body, or ask him if he remembers anything like a bug sticking out of his body.

Answer 6

This sounds serious, you really really should take him to the doctor, even without insurance.  Your child's health is worth more.  There are good doctors out there.  No doctor is perfect, but you haven't even given them a chance to give you the right diagnosis.  

Whatever it is, sounds like it is settling in his joints.  If something is really wrong, you will kick yourself if you didn't get him some help and he has to be hospitalized because he didn't get help sooner.  Please do not take a chance on his health.  I will pray for him and for the doctors to help him in the best way.

It can be so many things.  

Answer 7

look on webmd.com for help, but if it gets worse and you still don't know what the problem is then you should try and see a doctor