We’re not talking about that spunky TV sitcom from the 80s, we’re talking about those nasty aches and pains your little ones get when they’re growing up. It’s not just a ‘old wives tale’. Kids really do experience leg pain – and sometimes that pain is so severe it can wake them from a fitful sleep.
However, physicians say that the term is a misnomer. The pain isn’t caused by the process of growth but may be a result of muscle fatigue from over-use on a busy day, emotional stress or even poor posture. Whatever the cause, doctors can’t deny that there is some common element to the pain many children (about one third) experience in their legs at night. Today, ‘growing pains’ is a generally accepted term for these cramp-like pains.
THE ABCs OF GROWING PAINS
A - Age counts – kids from two to 12 years may experience growing pains.
B - Boys are slightly less prone than girls, although both sexes can experience episodes.
C - Cramps may occur in the early evening, near bedtime or even during the night while the child is asleep.
D - Discomfort can be last up to 15 minutes and usually occurs in both legs at the same time.
E - Episodes come and go; your child may have a bad night but will wake up pain-free in the morning.
F - Fluids can help to prevent cramp-like pains. Make sure your child drinks enough water during the day.
G - Get your child to pull up his foot and toes (flex the foot upwards), rather than keep it pressed down. This helps to stop a spasm in the calf muscle.
H - Heat can bring instant relief – try a heating pad or water bottle (under mom’s watchful eye).
I - Intensity of the pain differs between children and even episodes. One child in the family may never experience an episode, while for another, the pain may be intense.
J - Joints are not usually affected by growing pains. Consult your doctor if your child’s joints are stiff, look swollen and red or are tender and
warm to the touch.
K - Keep in mind that other health problems can also cause leg pain. Consult your doctor if your child has no appetite, or a fever or a rash.
L - Locate the pain. Growing pains almost always involve the muscles – common areas include the thigh area, behind the knee and in the calf muscle.
M - Massage can help to relieve painful cramps. If the episodes reoccur, try this before your child goes to bed.
N - Never shout at your child during an episode. Kids rarely fake ‘growing pains’ and because the pain can be intense, it can be particularly distressing for a youngster. A cuddle and a kiss can give your child extra reassurance.
O - Over the counter (OTC) pain medication for kids at the appropriate dose can be used occasionally but never in the long term. Ask your Link Pharmacist for advice.
P - Puberty usually sees the end of growing pains.
Q - Question your paediatrician if you suspect that your child’s symptoms indicate something else other than growing pains.
R - Restlessness can be associated with growing pains, however, Restless Leg syndrome (RLS) may present early in childhood and be misdiagnosed as growing pains. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, speak to your paediatrician.
S - Stretching the leg muscles in the morning and at night before bed can help to prevent episodes. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist for guidelines.
T - Tiredness and over exertion can bring on a painful episode. Don’t over-schedule extra-mural activities.
U - Use over the counter (OTC) medication for temporary pain relief, but never in the long term.
V - Vitamin D, magnesium and calcium supplements are said to alleviate symptoms but no tests have been conducted to prove if it does help. If you’re keen to try, ask your Link Pharmacist about a general multi-vitamin for kids.
W - When to see your doctor – if the pain doesn’t subside by morning (as growing pains rarely continue the next day), or your child has other symptoms of illness.
X - X-rays or a bone scan may be necessary to rule out other conditions. If your doctor suspects a posture related problem, you may be referred to a podiatrist.
Y - Your Link pharmacist can recommend appropriate pain medication and supplements.
By Gina Hartoog. Information sourced from: www.mayoclinic.com, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, www.kidshealth.org, www.surfnetparents.com
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