David M. Siegel, MD, MPH, Bethany Marston, MD, 2016. "Joint Pain (Chapter 171)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Pediatricians are often faced with clinical situations involving musculoskeletal aches and pains, and within this group of symptoms lies the subset of joint pain. In fact, 1 of every 6 to 10 pediatric outpatient visits includes a musculoskeletal complaint.1 Discomfort in a joint can result from a wide variety of causes, and the possibilities must be considered to allow appropriate evaluation and management. A systematic approach to patients who experience pain or swelling in 1 or more joints helps physicians arrive at an accurate diagnosis and course of therapy.
Joint pain, or arthralgia, is the subjective experience of pain...