What are Growing Pains

Growing pains are a common source of discomfort in children, generally between the ages of three and five. They’re most likely to occur in the late afternoon or early evening, but may also occur at night. While caused by rapid growth spurts, the pains are not caused by the actual growth process, but instead by an inflammation of the muscles and joints.

Growing pains are usually described as aching or throbbing. They’re usually felt on both sides of the body and frequently occur in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. They may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and can be intermittent or frequent. For most children, growing pains are an annoyance and don’t require medical attention, but if the pain is severe, consult your doctor.

What Causes Growing Pains?

The exact cause of growing pains is unknown. Some experts believe they are due to light muscle spasms triggered by strenuous physical activities such as jumping, running, and skipping. Others theorize that the pains occur due to rapid growth spurts, resulting in small tears in the muscle that cause pain. Still, others propose that the pains are caused by shearing force on the tendons and muscles around growing joints, such as the knee.

Tips for Relieving Growing Pains

Growing pains generally go away without the need for medical intervention. Here are some helpful tips for relieving the pain:

1. Massage: Massage can help encourage blood circulation and reduce inflammation, leading to a decrease in pain.

2. Exercise: Exercising can help stretch and strengthen muscle which can relieve the pain.

3. Heat: Applying a heating pad can help ease pain in the muscles.

4. Sleep: Let your child rest as much as possible to help the body heal itself and ease pain.

5. Diet: Eating foods that contain nutrients like magnesium and potassium can help reduce muscle cramps.

6. Medication: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin can help alleviate the pain.

Conclusion

Growing pains can be a very common and unpleasant occurrence in children, often occurring between ages three and five and more likely to happen in the late afternoon or early evening. While the exact cause of growing pains is unknown, factors may include light muscle spasms, rapid growth spurts, and shearing forces on growing joints. However, with some simple strategies such as massage, exercise, heat, sleep, a healthy diet and, if necessary, appropriate medications, growing pains can usually be relieved. If the pain persists, or is particularly intense, it is best to seek medical advice.