Health Forums

Posted: 07 April 2008 at 8:27am | IP Logged

 Joshua has suffered cramp like symptoms in his legs for at least a year. Our GP's were baffled, and referred him to a child specialist. Everyone kept telling me he was too young for cramp, although they said its not totally unheard of. His reflexes were all ok, and they really didn't think it was an issue, and that he'd probably grow out of it.

Certainly some days are worse than others, but he still suffers. We've been at my parents last weekend and this weekend. Both weekends he has suffered and been upset. Then this morning my little sister was witness to it. I dismissed it, little I can do and bearing weight on it is the only way we know to shift it so I left him jumping around (wasn't as cruel as it sounds lol).

My little sister picked up on it and asked what was up with him. I explained that he suffers cramp like symptoms, but doctors had discharged him saying he was too young for cramp and he'll be fine, so there was nothing I could do about it either. She tells me the leg problems she has been suffering with (Para Mytonia) is hereditory. She has terrible cramp, and over the years it has got a lot worse. She was originally tested for MS but thorough tests have shown it to be this Para Mytonia, and she is now under specialist consultation in London, as she cant get the necessary treatment in Manchester.

I dont know much about this condition, but it has rang alarm bells in me with Joshua's symptoms. I want to take him to the doctor now just to ask about it, but I feel a bit 'wrong' for going with a symptom name and asking for tests. I dont want to question the doctors when they said it was nothing, but they never did blood tests or anything, just reflexes.

Is it worth taking him? Does anyone know about this condition, and does it rear itself in childhood? My sister has only displayed symptoms in the last 3-5 years (and taken this long for a diagnosis), and she is 24 now.

Posted: 07 April 2008 at 8:57am | IP Logged

It sounds like a rare condition - if it hiereditory (sp) then it may not be picked up on til you mention it is in the family.

I would definately take him back and ask for him to be re checked.

This must be a worrying time for you but I hope you get some answers soon - it certainly doesnt sound like normal behaviour.

Posted: 07 April 2008 at 10:16am | IP Logged

Hun i agree with Madz (yes note it in your diary!!) they have put all of kieran's co-morbidity with co-ordination down to his ADHD but now i've mentioned about my hypermobility it seems that there is a link and he's now been refered to a child physiotherapist, the waiting list is 9mths, always seems long us us adults but longer for your little ones.

I'd go back and say he's still suffering and you have since found out your sis has this hereditary condition and wanted to know if your a carrier and if it's possible this is the cause of joshua's cramps.... the poor wee soul should defiantly not be left suffering the docs should keep looking.

Hope they sort it out quickly for you hun and you get some answers.

Posted: 08 April 2008 at 10:34am | IP Logged

I took him along to the doctors this morning. My GP still stands firm and says he's never experienced a child with cramps. However, he said Joshua is clearly suffering from something, and as the peadritian discharged us last time he has requested an urgent referral (just to avoid waiting again, although it's never more than 6 weeks anyway). He said cramp in children is very rare, but then so is para mytonia. He said there is definitly good reason to re-investigate Joshua's condition with news of my sisters condition. He's not sure what the tests involve, and he said unfortunately there isn't much that can be done for this condition anyway, but there may be exercises he could do or something.

So more waiting, but I know the hospital here work very well and waiting lists are minimal. It may still be nothing, but I figured its better to check and it be nothing, than to leave it and it be something.

Posted: 08 April 2008 at 12:10pm | IP Logged

Poor wee mite!

Glad you went to the docs with condition - sometimes they need a wee push in the right direction!!

Let us know how he gets on

x

Posted: 08 April 2008 at 12:14pm | IP Logged

The peadatricain tells me there is no such thing as growing pains. Its a term used loosely by doctors when they run out of ideas apparently lol- helpful!!

I dont usually fuss to much about him, lol, but I do feel quite useless. Normally a cuddle makes him feel better but with cramp as many of you will know its hard to explain and there is nothing any one can do to relieve it. I do rub his leg but he just doesnt understand the pain so it must be really frustrating!

Posted: 08 April 2008 at 1:25pm | IP Logged

Ive just done some searching and found some info that links leg cramps in childhood the PVP - flat feet. The pain is caused by the misalignment of the bones - although that in itself doesnt hunt the muscles end up being over worked and this causes cramps.

Has this ever been checked? It appears that strapping the feet can help, and many doctors miss it when diagnosing so its a possibility - maybe see a podiatrist to see what they say?