Arthralgia is swollen and painful joints. This is a symptom, not a condition. One or more joints may be affected at the same time. The pain may be caused by a problem in the joint itself or by a problem in another area. Arthralgia isn't the same as arthritis pain.
There are many causes of joint pain in children. Common causes include growing pains, overuse or a sports injury, or a bacterial infection. Chickenpox, mumps, the flu, or other viruses may also cause joint pain. Some autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis) can cause joint pain and must be ruled out.
A thorough exam is needed to find the cause of the arthralgia. Several tests may be done. These include lab tests or imaging tests. Fluid may be removed from the painful joint for testing. Depending on the age of the child, anesthesia may be needed for this procedure. If the cause of the joint pain is still unclear, the child may be referred to a specialist.
Medicine may help ease the pain and swelling. Arthralgia may go away on its own without further treatment.
Home care
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The health care provider may prescribe medicine for pain and swelling. Follow the instructions for giving these medicines to your child.
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Have your child rest the sore joint as needed. Apply ice wrapped in a thin towel or a cool compress as needed. For children 1 year and older, propping up the sore joint on a pillow may be most comfortable. Don't use pillows or other soft items with a baby younger than 12 months.
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In an age-appropriate way, explain what is happening to your child and what needs to be done so they can help manage the condition.
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Allow your child to return to normal activities when they feel able.
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Have your child drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. Ask your child's provider to suggest a healthy diet.
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Keep track of the time of day your child complains of joint pain. Pain may be more frequent in the morning, afternoon, or evening. This information may help the provider make a diagnosis. It may also help them find the best time for your child to take pain medicine, if it's prescribed.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider, or as advised. If your child has been referred to a specialist, schedule that appointment right away.
When to get medical advice
Unless your child's health care provider advises otherwise, call the provider for any of these:
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Fever with joint pain or swelling: (see "Fever and children" below)
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Rectal or forehead temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Armpit temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
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Pain doesn't improve in 3 days after starting pain medicine
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New, severe pain
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Swelling, redness, or warmth at the joint that continues or gets worse, even with treatment (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
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Trouble moving the affected joint or refusing to bear weight or walk
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Pain in other joints
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Loss of interest in normal activities
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Weight loss
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Skin changes, such as a leathery look
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Refusing to eat or drink
Fever and children
Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:
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Rectal. For children younger than 3 years, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.
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Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The provider may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.
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Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The provider may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.
Use the rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, ask the health care provider what type to use instead. When you talk with any provider about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.
Below are guidelines to know if your young child has a fever. Your child’s health care provider may give you different numbers for your child. Follow your provider’s specific instructions.
Fever readings for a baby under 3 months old:
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First, ask your child’s provider how you should take the temperature.
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Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
Fever readings for a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
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Rectal, forehead, or ear: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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Armpit: 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
Call the health care provider in these cases:
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Repeated temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age
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Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher in baby younger than 3 months
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Fever that lasts more than 24 hours in a child under age 2
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Fever that lasts for 3 days in a child age 2 or older
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