Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, is an inherited condition that causes nerve cells in the lower part of the brain and spinal cord to break down and die. When this happens, the brain stops sending signals to the body’s muscles. Babies with SMA can have difficulty crawling, walking, or even …
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Strokes
Like most people, you probably think that strokes only happen in adults — especially older adults. But kids can have strokes, too. Although they’re less common in kids, strokes occur in children of all ages, even those who haven’t been born yet. About Strokes A stroke is a biological event …
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics. Tourette symptoms typically appear in childhood, usually when kids are between 5–9 years old. It’s not very common, and boys are more likely to be affected than girls. The tics associated with Tourette syndrome …
What Is Pompe Disease?
My friend’s 9-year-old daughter was just diagnosed with Pompe disease. I’d like to reach out to her and offer my support, but I’m not sure how. Can you tell me a little about this disease and what to expect? – Ali Pompe disease is a genetic condition that can be …
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
About ACL Injuries Knee injuries can happen in active kids, especially athletes, and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — a ligament that helps give the knee its stability — is one of the most serious types of knee injuries. Kids who get ACL injuries tend to play contact sports …
Blount Disease
Blount disease is a growth disorder that affects the bones of the lower leg, causing them to bow outward. In younger kids, just the tibia (shin bone) is affected. In teens, it’s usually both the tibia and the femur (thigh bone). Many babies are born with slightly bowed legs from …
Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)
Hard falls and collisions are a reality of sports, and they often lead to injuries. Taking a spill and falling on a shoulder or with arms outstretched puts tremendous stress on the shoulder and on a small bone called the clavicle, or collarbone. If the stress is too great, the …
Common Childhood Orthopedic Conditions
As time passes, you may notice that your child’s growth isn’t completely on the straight and narrow. Many young kids have flatfeet, toe walking, pigeon toes, bowlegs, and knock-knees. As kids grow, some of these conditions correct themselves without treatment. Others don’t or become more severe because of other medical …
Costochondritis
When a child complains of chest pain, it can be enough to send any parent into a panic: “Could it be a heart attack?” Fortunately, the answer usually is no. Heart attacks are extremely rare in children. More often than not, chest pain in a child or teen is due to …
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a problem with the way a baby’s hip joint forms before, during, or after birth — causing an unstable hip. In severe cases, the hip joint can dislocate or cause trouble walking. Mild cases of DDH usually get better on their own as a baby …