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11year old daughter, pain back of knees, now swollen ankles.

Posted by andysheck @andysheck, Apr 29, 2023

11yr old daughter, after minor cold symptoms and trip to Caribbean, back of knees pain(maybe lymphs) bend over when walking, then knee pain stopped, now swollen ankles with rash. all 3+weeks now. Dr was thinking Toxic Synovitis, but are thinking of testing for childhood rheumatoid arthritis. My thought is if the trip to the Caribbean maybe playing a bigger part to the equation. Very active and athletic child, couldn't really walk well with the pain behind knees. Trying to limit her activity but is able to run/walk with swollen ankles but is moderately painful during/after.

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andysheck | @andysheck | Apr 30, 2023

11yr old daughter, after minor cold symptoms and trip to Caribbean, sudden back of knees pain, causing her not to bend knees when walking, then knee pain stopped, now swollen ankles with rash around ankles. all 3+weeks now. Dr was thinking Toxic Synovitis, but are thinking of testing for childhood rheumatoid arthritis now. My thought is if the trip to the Caribbean maybe playing a bigger part to the equation. Very active and athletic child, couldn't really walk well with the pain behind knees. Trying to limit her activity but is able to run/walk with swollen ankles but is moderately painful during/after. Now rash has gone away and swelling in ankles are reducing slowly, but now right foot as swelled up. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

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2 replies
TSB | @terrirussell | May 1, 2023
In reply to @andysheck "11yr old daughter, after minor cold symptoms and trip to Caribbean, sudden back of knees pain,..." + (show)
@andysheck

11yr old daughter, after minor cold symptoms and trip to Caribbean, sudden back of knees pain, causing her not to bend knees when walking, then knee pain stopped, now swollen ankles with rash around ankles. all 3+weeks now. Dr was thinking Toxic Synovitis, but are thinking of testing for childhood rheumatoid arthritis now. My thought is if the trip to the Caribbean maybe playing a bigger part to the equation. Very active and athletic child, couldn't really walk well with the pain behind knees. Trying to limit her activity but is able to run/walk with swollen ankles but is moderately painful during/after. Now rash has gone away and swelling in ankles are reducing slowly, but now right foot as swelled up. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

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While you search for answers try Epsom Salt baths in warm water, not hot…..and I’d have her allergy tested for foods and environment. She may have also been bitten in the Caribbean even if you can’t locate the bite. Thats happened to me with very similar results but I also have quite a few allergies and we who have many allergies have longer lasting reactions and intense sunlight makes them much worse. Best of luck

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ladyaceintx1 | @ladyaceintx1 | May 2, 2023
In reply to @andysheck "11yr old daughter, after minor cold symptoms and trip to Caribbean, sudden back of knees pain,..." + (show)
@andysheck

11yr old daughter, after minor cold symptoms and trip to Caribbean, sudden back of knees pain, causing her not to bend knees when walking, then knee pain stopped, now swollen ankles with rash around ankles. all 3+weeks now. Dr was thinking Toxic Synovitis, but are thinking of testing for childhood rheumatoid arthritis now. My thought is if the trip to the Caribbean maybe playing a bigger part to the equation. Very active and athletic child, couldn't really walk well with the pain behind knees. Trying to limit her activity but is able to run/walk with swollen ankles but is moderately painful during/after. Now rash has gone away and swelling in ankles are reducing slowly, but now right foot as swelled up. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Jump to this post

The fact that your daughter had a "minor cold" aka a virus prior to this outbreak of symptoms suggests a clue to a Dermatology related condition called,
"Henoch-Schonlein Purpura" (HSP)
This is a small vessel vasculitis that mainly occurs in children following an upper respiratory infection aka "cold". It normally affects the larger joints of the lower extremities, such as the knees with pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion. These symptoms can resolve spontaneously, however the skin rash that occurs on the bilateral ankles or lower legs is symmetrical and usually non-tender, but can last for weeks. Treatment can include NSAIDS and oral steroids and a prescription cream for the rash. A Dermatologist would be most familiar with this condition and can usually diagnose it on sight or by ordering specific labs. Try a Google search if this information sounds helpful.
I hope you find the answers and care that you and your daughter need.

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