There is nothing worse than hearing your child wake you in the night screaming in pain. You often feel helpless not knowing what you can do to help.
There is much controversy as to whether growing pains are normal or not. And there isn’t much research into how to prevent these pains.
One theory is the bones are growing at a faster rate than the muscles. This causes a pull where the muscles attach to the bones particularly around the knee. The bones themselves do not cause the pain but the irritation to muscle is what is thought to create the pain.
This is why many remedies for growing pains are aimed at relaxing the muscles in the legs.
As a chiropractor I see many kids that have had growing pains. In many of the cases the children have had an imbalance of the muscles of the legs. This may be from their feet rolling in, a tilt or twist in the pelvis or even particular activities that child does creates an unevenness in the muscles.
So what can you do?
Remedies that have helped many children include:
- Epsom salt baths (magnesium)
- magnesium sprays/oils
- massaging the legs before bed (particularly on the days of activity)
- have your child checked by a health professional such as a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist.
- see your GP if you are concerned.
Please note that if your child has recently been ill and suddenly complains of knee or hip pain, take your child to see the GP before using any of the above information.
Article provided by Dr Linda Baak at Coastal Chiropractic.
Dr Linda Baak has worked as a chiropractor for many years in a number of clinics in Australia and the UK. She has a keen interest in paediatric care and treatment for pregnant women.