Did you know that growing pains are genuinely a real thing?!?!
Most common in children under the age of 12, they can occur frequently but are harmless in nature.
In the growing child, the first thing to grow is their bones. This is then followed (at a bit of a slower rate) by their muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. During this period of time there can be a slight imbalance as the body works to catch up on itself. As a result muscles can be a little tighter and therefore pull on their bony insertions. While this theory has never been proven it is thought that these tight structures can contribute to growing pains.
Certainly they appear to be more common in children who are very active and those who have increased flexibility in their joints (hypermobile). Growing pains are typically:
- In both legs
- Aching and throbbing in nature
- In the muscles, not joints
- Occur in early evening or at night time but are gone by morning
Growing Pains Treatment
- Massage
- Heat
- Gentle stretches
- Encourage supportive, comfortable footwear including runners
Things to Watch for
- Pain in 1 leg
- Pain carries into the next morning
- Persists for more than a few days
- Pain in so bad that it causes your child to limp/be unable to partake in usual activities
- Pain is on a joint such as knees/ankles
- There is any rash, swelling or bruising
- Your child is generally unwell, including raised temperature or changes in appetite