ABSTRACT
In children, arm pain usually results from musculoskeletal injuries (sprain, strain, contusion, dislocation and fracture). In the absence of dislocation and fracture, a musculoskeletal pain syndrome (MSPS) can be considered. Pain in the leg is common and caused by musculoskeletal disorders predominately as a result of trauma, developmental, infectious, rheumatological and neoplastical disorders. Arthralgia indicates joint pain not accompanied by obvious clinical signs of arthritis. It may be generalised involving multiple joints caused mostly by a viral infection, or involving the hip, knee, ankle or temporomandibular joint. Acute muscle pain (myalgia) is a very common complaint in association with many infections, mainly viral infections such as influenza types A and B, coxsakievirus A2 and A9. Myalgia can also be due to musculoskeletal injury (sprains, strains, overuse, contusions), musculoskeletal pain syndrome (MSPS), myopathic (e.g. dermatomyositis) and neuropathic (Guillain-Barre syndrome).
