Does your child complain about sore legs? What are Growing Pains and how can they be treated.
Is it Growing Pains?
What are growing pains?
Growing pains affect children from three to five and eight to eleven years old. The cause of these pains is unknown. It often occurs in the legs and is worse in the afternoon or evening. It is important to know that the pain is not causing damage to the bones or muscles and can often be settled with simple treatment.
What is the cause?
The cause is unclear. Children may have these pains on and off for many years. Some people mistakenly think it is due to the growth of the bone. However, bones grow so slowly they do not cause pain. The pain may be due to tight muscles, poor posture or emotions.
Does my child have growing pains?
The symptoms of growing pains can vary and it is best to seek professional advice. If your child is reporting leg pain. Typically growing pains are felt in both legs and does not change with activity, the pain will come and go and is often worse in the evening and night. It is important to note the growing pains will not cause your child to limp or any difficulties performing physical activity.
What should I do about my child’s pains?
It is important to seek medical advice to rule out other causes of leg pain especially if your child complains of pain in one leg and the pain remains during the day. Limping, redness, swelling and fever are not signs of growing pain and should be raised with a health professional.