Growing pains or are they?

[Nell16]

My 18 year old daughter has been complaining of random pains in her limbs for nearly 2 years now. Sometime her shoulder hurts or her knee or toe or hip etc. We have been to any medical specialist imaginable - from neurosurgeon to orthopedic surgeon, to physio. Noting seems conclusive. Most common diagnosis - growing pains. She is quite desperate now. She attends university, very happy there, has friends, social life etc. But this pain blights her life. She is constantly worried that it will get worse, wears knee brace and is afraid to walk long distances, etc. She has now been referred to a rheumatologist by her GP at uni. The rheumatologist suggested arthritis and more tests. Last year rheumo blood test was negative. She does not have typical arthritis symptoms. It feels like we are going in circles with no answers. Does anyone experience anything like that with their teens?

Other than that - she is a straight As student, clever and talented has lots of friends and various interests.

[cory]

Is she hypermobile?

[Nell16]

Hi, Cory!

Thank you for responding but I am not sure what you mean by "hypermobile"? Hyperactive? No, she is not, and if anything likes chilling out and reading.

N.

[saddest]

I had "growing pains". Thirty years later I got a positive diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis. Just an idea to throw in to the melee. It's a devil to diagnose.

[cory]

Hypermobile is when your joints seem to bend too far and can bend in the wrong direction iyswim. This can cause chronic pain. My dd has this.

[exgov]

Has she had a blood test for Lupus? (SLE). Presumably, if she's been to specialists, but the symptoms sound right.

[elastamum]

I have had these since I was a kid. Had the 'growing pains' diagnosis myself. Still got them, I am 43 Hd blood test for RA a few years ago, nothing. At moment my back and legs hurt like hell, was just thinking of some paracetamol when I saw your post. she has my sympathy, I remember going to university doc who decided I must be depressed although I am one of the least depressed people I know. Have just learnt to put up with it, I am very active, have mucked out 2 horses, walked dogs for an hour and done housework all day today, the cold doesnt help and I have very low blood pressure which might be a factor

[smartiejakeonachristmascake]

Fybromyalgia?

[Nell16]

Hi! thank you for all your replies.

Yes, the word hypermobile was mentioned by her doctor this week. Apparently she has hypermobility in her arms. They dismissed fybromyalgia. Aand no, she never had blood test for Lupus. The rheumatologist will do more tests once she is back at the uni.

The orthopaedic surgeon that we saw again this week suggested bone scan. Overall she seems happier this week.

Thanks, again!

Nellie

[cory]

There is something known as hypermobility syndrome. Dd has it. Basically means a chemical imbalance that makes your ligaments floppy instead of tight. Can't be cured but can be helped by physio, pacing (you keep active but don't overdo it) and learning to position yourself correctly. The right chair and writing implements can also help, as can insoles for ankle pains. She might need to see an occupational therapist.

[cory]

Insoles can also help with knee and hip pains.

[ra29]

Sorry to jump in the thread but Cory I just wanted to pick your brains. DS age 11 has suffered with terrible leg pains most of his life. They tend to be worse if tired or upset- they kind of remind me of migraines but in his legs. Doctors always just say growing pains. I'm asking because he is also apparently hypermobile. They've just said it in passing but never said any more. He also has a heart condition and has had various medical problems but they all say they're unrelated. I don't think he's very hypermobile and the leg pains aren't there all the time but do you think this could be to do with hypermobility?

[scrooged]

I have hypermobility and am mega bendy. I get pain at the top of my pelvis which is due to wearing heals or being on my feet for too long. It used to get so bad I was bent over and could hardly walk.
I agree with cory, she should look into this.