My dd is 8 yrs old. A lot of times when she is running, or even walking a long distance (like when we go for a walk in the park) she complains about her legs hurting.
The other day at her soccer game she looked like she was in pain when she was running, after a while she looked o.k. though.
I asked her later if her legs were hurting and she pointed to her hips, or right where the leg comes out of the hip bone and says that it hurt there.
She does not complain about her legs unless she is running or walking longer distances.
It's not like her muscles ache, she says it's her bones. I'm not sure what she means by that.
She is not new to activity either, she's been in gymnastics, baseball, soccer, dance, tennis, etc. We only do one sport at a time, but when one sport is over, we start another one just to keep the kids active.

Does anyone have any idea why her legs would be hurting like that?

By Kay on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 01:40 pm:

It could be something as simple as a muscle strain, or even growing pains, but I think I would err on the side of caution and take her to her physician to be checked out. I would even consider an appointment with an orthopedist.

I hope this is resolved quickly for her!

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 04:36 pm:

I do not believe in "growing pains". I do know that my oldest son had a temporary problem that had to do with how the top of his thigh bone fit into his hip socket and the development of the socket, and was on minimal activity for a couple of months. As I recall, he was about 7 at the time. I agree with Kay - I'd err on the side of caution, take her to the pediatrician and also talk with the pediatrician about an orthopedic referral. Given your daughter is a very active girl, you'd all be devastated if something was missed that caused her problems later on.

By Enchens on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 07:18 pm:

A second vote for taking her in.

By Kellyj on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 08:05 pm:

I would take her in. There are hip disorders that can occur in this age group. She should get x-rays of the hip and the pelvis. Problems with the growth plate can occur in the hips of kids in this age group, although more common in boys, it should definitely be evaluated.

By Bellajoe on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 09:03 am:

She has not complained about her hips hurting since Monday. Maybe she had slept funny or something.

Now she has a cold and a runny nose It's always something!