Leg pain/spasms in child

[Guest guest]

,

The neuros are missing something if your daughter has in fact been

diagnosed with CMT. Now we know that CMT can cause leg spasms and

pain for some.

Realizing you are under an entirely different health care system than

the US, I would still suggest your daughter be evaluated by a CMT

specialist. Donna in London, who is a member here, speaks very highly

of Reilly.

Meanwhile, since you will no doubt have to wait for another medical

appointment, you might try contacting your pediatrician and ask for

help with Vitamin E (can take leg pain away), also try giving her

some Tonic water to drink (just plain - but you can mix it with

something tasty) If the Tonic water helps, ask for a prescription of

Quinine, which helps leg pain.

Most doctors here are very reluctant to give a young child " pain "

medications - pain meds for kids aren't well researched as to the

dose.

You might also ask your pediatrician to check her blood levels for

Thyroid, Potassium and Magnesium. If these are out of balance, this

can cause leg spasms/pain. I had this happen when I was in my teens

and Potassium therapy helped. My Dad massaged my legs at night which

helped too.

Also check with a physical therapist as for what exercises

(stretching) she can do and how to help her do them. Once her

immediate pain is managed, perhaps swimming would be good to keep her

flexible.

Depending on what type of CMT she has, you might also try Vitamin C

(ascorbic acid)

Be sure, too, to contact at http://cmt.uk.org She may have

other suggestions and has the new book and CD that might give you

more help.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had leg cramps as a child and still do. My 7 year old has them as well. At

first we tried meds to ease the spasms but decided that we wanted to try more

natural items.

We got some really fluffy cute socks to wear to bed, the ones that

almost look shaggy and soft. The warmth helps to prevent the cramps.

Also, when they are especially unbearable my husband helps me to the

shower and the warm water makes them go away instantly.

In cooler weather our daughter takes and old fashioned water bottle

filled with warm water to bed and puts it under the covers by her

feet and this helps as well.

Tammy

[Guest guest]

We had to buy a spa to stay warm and keep cramps away. It's not even that cold

here.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Who are you seeing in London?

Reilly has a great reputation for CMT. My father in law recommended her

(he is a neurosurgeon and knows her in passing and knows her reputation well).

I have not yet been to her - too much time out of town has meant that I am

barely able to open post let alone deal with the NHS.

Anyway, recently I have been having kind of cramping legs too. The cramps are

strong and usually brought on by sleep deprivation, exercise (leads me to

believe I am getting a mineral imbalance due to after exercise impact) or

champagne! OK, time to cut back on the champagne. It is not nice.

My father does not have CMT but has a tendency to leg cramps. He drinks tonic

water all the time, and also grapefruit juice. Both have helped him a lot.

Once life settles a bit and routine reenters, I will be going into a more

predictable regime and seeing if that helps.

For sandals, I wear Birkenstocks and they are great and stay on my foot - and

mold to it. Others who have kids around 11 on may be able to give better

footwear advice.

If you need any London based advice, let me know. Persistence with the NHS is

my motto, and making sure you know your own records.

Donna