It is a common part of growing up but the NHS says there is lots parents can do to help
Parents of children aged between 3 and 12 have been offered some invaluable guidance by the NHS on how to handle a common condition that can cause discomfort and distress. Often referred to as ‘growing pains’, this term characterises the leg aches many children endure at some point.
Despite the condition being normal, harmless and generally improving independently, pain relief medication can help alleviate the discomfort. Parents should be reassured symptoms may come and go over several months or even years, reports the Mirror.
The pain is typically characterised as a dull ache or throbbing sensation in both legs which impacts the muscles rather than the joints. It tends to occur in the evenings or at night, vanishing by morning. In its advice to parents who might feel worried, especially when a child is upset and bewildered by the pain, the NHS encourages parents to take the following steps:
- gently massage your child’s legs
- put a covered hot water bottle or heat pack on the painful area
- give children’s ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
They caution: “Do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 16 unless a doctor prescribes it.”
Does my child need to see a GP?
You should only consult a GP if your child is complaining of pain in one leg. You should also take them to see a doctor if your child:
- has leg pain in the morning
- has leg pain when walking or taking part in activities
- has leg pain that’s bad enough to stop them walking or makes them limp
- has pain in a joint, such as their knees or ankles
- has a rash, swelling or unusual bruising on the legs
- has leg pain and a high temperature
- feels unusually tired or sleepy a lot of the time
- does not want to eat or is losing weight
Why do kids experience growing pain?
The exact cause of growing pains remains uncertain. They are not associated with growth itself and are not an indication of any serious condition, according to the NHS.
Growing pains are more often seen in active children, particularly after intense physical activity. They are also common in people with very flexible joints, a condition known as joint hypermobility syndrome.
Try these stretches
Healthier Together suggests that certain stretches can help alleviate discomfort in children. These should be performed twice daily, three times on each leg, holding each pose for 30 seconds.
You can try the following:
- Hamstring stretch: Get your child to lie on their back with their legs out straight. Lift one leg, keeping the knee straight and gently apply pressure to bottom of the foot pushing it towards them. They should feel a gentle pulling in the back of their leg.
- Calf stretch: With your child lying on their back with their knees straight, gently push the sole of the foot towards their body until they feel a pull in the calf muscle.
- Quads Stretch: With your child lying on their tummy, gently flex the knee bringing the heel towards the bottom until they feel a pulling in the muscle on the front of the thigh
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