Joint Pain

Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine Specialists located in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Palisades and Los Angeles, CA

Children often experience growing pains that go away on their own, but persistent joint pain may be a sign of a more serious problem. The pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics, Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, and Thomas Grogan, MD, evaluate and treat all types of joint pain at their practice near the Brentwood neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles. If your child complains of joint pain, call the office or request an appointment online today.

310-828-5441

Joint Pain Q & A

What is joint pain?

Joints are the parts of your body where bones come together. These complex structures allow the skeleton to move in many different ways. Dr. Koenig and his team provide comprehensive care for many types of joint pain, especially joint pain related to the knee and shoulder. They treat various injuries and conditions, including:

Knee Conditions

Jumper’s knee
Patellar instability
Ligament injuries
Sprains
ACL tears
Meniscus injuries
Osteochondritis dissecans

Shoulder Conditions

Rotator cuff injuries
Tendenopathy
Overuse injuries
Scalpular dyskinesis
Labral injuries

They also treat pain in the small joints of the fingers and toes. For back pain, Dr. Koenig and his team may refer you to a spine specialist.

How is joint pain different than growing pains?

When children complain of chronic pain, it’s often due to growing pains. These pains most commonly occur between ages 3-7 and may manifest as a dull ache or throbbing sensation in the knees, legs, head, or abdomen. Simple home treatments like massage or a warm bath often help children feel better.

However, persistent joint pain and tenderness may be a warning of something more serious. Signs and symptoms that indicate your child is experiencing something more than just growing pains include swelling or redness in a joint, limping, or weakness. Joint pain that follows an injury is also a cause for concern.

How is joint pain diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Koenig and his team offer convenient, on-site digital X-rays to help diagnose your child’s joint pain. After they determine the cause of joint pain, the team develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Depending on the cause and severity of the joint pain, treatment may include oral or injected medications, bracing, or physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Koenig specializes in minimally invasive surgery and performs joint replacement procedures if other treatments fail.

To determine the root cause of your child’s joint pain, call the office of Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, or request an appointment online today.

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