What grown-ups can do about growing pains

Saloni (8) can’t fall asleep because her legs hurt. Aryan (6) wakes up in tears, with much the same complaint. Coincidence? Probably not. Between the ages of 2 to 12 years children go through a growth spurt period. Along with this transition, there could be discomforting symptoms, such as aches and pains but when children stop growing, these pains tend to stop.

An estimated 15 per cent of children experience occasional leg pain, at night, without an apparent cause, often called ‘growing pains’. It can be a frightening experience for the child, especially when there is a combination of dark, quiet and pain. Growing pains aren’t a disease. In fact, the term ‘growing pains’ may be a misnomer because there is no evidence that growth hurts. However, growing pains are real for many kids. It’s important to take your child’s complaints seriously. Occasionally, growing pains may be due to an underlying condition that can be treated. Growing pains typically end by teenage. No firm evidence shows that the growth of bone causes pain.

Symptoms

*Aches or throbbing in the legs, concentrated pain in the muscles rather than the joints.

*Pain reported in the thighs, calves or behind the knees.

*Usually, both legs hurt; occasionally the muscles of the arms may be affected or the child may also complain of headache.

*Pain often strikes late afernoon or early evening, but disappears by morning.

*Sometimes, the pain awakens a child in the middle of the night.

Running, climbing and jumping can be hard on a child’s musculoskeletal  system. Muscle pain at night — after a child has had an intense, athletic day — is the most likely cause of growing pains.

See how the child responds to touch while in pain. Kids who have pain from a serious medical condition don’t like to be handled because any movement tends to increase the pain. But those with growing pains respond differently, they feel better when they are held, massaged and cuddled.

Consult your doctor if the pain is:

*Persistent
*Interferes with your child’s normal routine
*Associated with an injury
*Accompanied by other signs, such as swelling, redness, tenderness, fever, limping, rash, loss of appetite, weakness or fatigue.

There is no specific treatment for growing pains, but you can help ease your child’s discomfort.

*Rub your child’s legs: Some children respond to a gentle massage. Others feel better when they are held or cuddled.

*Get your child to stretch her legs a few times during the day and again at bedtime.

*Use a heating pad: Heat can help sooth sore muscles. You can use a heating pad on a low setting before bedtime. A warm bath before bedtime may help too.

*Try a pain reliever only under medical supervision/ advice: Doctors may suggest Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. Avoid aspirin tablets.

It may also help the child if you simply offer your support. Remind your child that growing pains are normal.

Support and reassurance that growing pains will pass as kids grow up can help them relax.