Baby Joint Pain

Joint pain in babies may be difficult to diagnose because babies cannot communicate their pain and its location. There are, however, signs and symptoms that may help you determine when your baby should see a doctor.

Significance

• Babies cry--it's what they do. They cry when they are hungry, when they need their diaper changed, and when they need to be held. Get to know your baby's cries. A different cry may be a cry for help.

Considerations

• Babies can experience joint pain as a result of an infection or an illness. According to Dr. Maud Meates-Dennis, joint pain can in some cases be caused by juvenile arthritis, Kawasaki disease, Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP), bowel obstruction or even cancer. If you believe your baby may be experiencing joint pain, call your doctor.

Identification

• Swelling in the joints and limbs, redness, skin that is hot to the touch, limping, difficulty climbing up or down the stairs, a rash, or a fever lasting 5 days or more may signal joint pain in babies, Dr. Meates-Dennis notes.

Intuition

• If you have a feeling something is wrong with your baby--even when there are no visible symptoms--call your doctor or pediatric advice nurse.

Signals

• Babies with joint pain can also experience weight loss, weight gain, dental problems, gas, visual problems, bowel problems, abdominal swelling, twitches, itching, hearing problems, and poor growth.

Insight

• Look for changes in facial expressions, behavior, personality and movements. Joint pain in babies can have many causes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, treatments may include medication, exercise, and/or physical therapy.