Seeking Guidance for Severe Bone Pain: A 16-Year-Old's Experience
Subject: Overview of Chronic and Intense Bone Pain I am a 16-year-old male enduring a challenging health issue. My journey began at age 9 when I first experienced sporadic pain episodes. However, by the time I was 14, the discomfort intensified and became intolerable. Description of Symptoms: Location: The pain is concentrated around two centimeters below my knees on both legs, radiating to the mid-shin area, along with discomfort in my wrists and hands. Sensation: The sensation is acute and penetrating, akin to a drill piercing through the bone. Temporal Dynamics: The pain follows a predictable pattern each day, manifesting from 6:00 AM and lasting until around 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM. During these hours, the severity renders me unable to walk and brings about significant emotional distress. Nighttime Relief: Interestingly, I find considerable respite during the night, allowing for a return of strength and mobility, only to awaken to the recurring pain each morning. Health Background: I have sought the opinion of several doctors, but the only diagnosis provided has been 'flat feet' (pes planus), which fails to explain the severity of my condition. Common pain relief medications have not worked, leaving me feeling hopeless after seven years of this relentless suffering. I am urgently looking for expert advice or insights from anyone familiar with similar chronic pain conditions.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 9:50:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a very challenging situation with your severe and chronic bone pain. The details you’ve provided highlight a persistent issue that significantly impacts your daily life. It's understandable that you are looking for answers and relief after enduring this pain for so long.
Main Points
Your pain is chronic, localized to your legs and wrists, and follows a predictable daily pattern. You've sought medical opinions but have not found satisfactory answers. Here are potential explanations and steps to consider.
Explanation
Chronic pain in the legs and wrists, especially with the described severity and chronicity, can stem from various sources, including:
- Growth-Related Pain: As a 16-year-old, you are still growing. Some teens experience growing pains or issues related to bone and joint development.
- Neuropathic Pain: Sometimes pain can arise from nerve irritation or damage, which might not be immediately apparent.
- Mechanical Issues: Flat feet can contribute to uneven weight distribution, which may lead to pain, especially if there are other underlying musculoskeletal concerns.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis might cause severe pain and are worth investigating further, especially if you have joint swelling or stiffness.
Next Steps
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed log of your pain, noting the intensity, duration, and any other symptoms. Include what alleviates or worsens the pain. This information can be crucial for your next healthcare consultation.
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Physical Therapy: Even without an obvious structural issue, a physiotherapist can help assess your movement patterns and may offer exercises that improve strength and flexibility, possibly alleviating pain.
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Review with a Specialist: Consider asking your healthcare provider for a referral to a pediatric rheumatologist or pain specialist. They can better assess chronic pain conditions in adolescents and recommend targeted investigations.
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Pain Management Techniques: Explore non-medication approaches like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or gentle activities like swimming or yoga, which can help manage pain and improve emotional well-being.
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Medication Reassessment: If over-the-counter pain relief hasn’t worked, a doctor might consider other medications specifically for chronic pain management. Discuss this at your next appointment.
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Support Systems: Engaging with support groups for chronic pain can connect you with others who understand your experience, which can be helpful emotionally.
I empathize with how frustrating and exhausting this journey is for you. Remember, you are not alone, and exploring various avenues for diagnosis and management is important. Please let me know if you need more information or further clarification on any aspect.
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