As growing pains in children cannot be detected by any reliable method, they have long been controversial in medicine. It is estimated to occur in around 30% of children from primary school age. In exceptional cases, the symptoms can appear as early as infancy and even last into puberty.
Table of contents
1. causes of growing pains in children
In the past, pain in children's limbs was attributed to growth spurts. It was assumed that the periosteum is stretched and thus irritated. However, studies have disproved this theory. Science has not yet been able to clarify the causes behind growing pains in children. This is also one of the reasons why these complaints were disputed by doctors for so long. It is now suspected that, in addition to psychological factors, incorrect posture and fatigue could also be possible causes of growing pains in children.
2 How does growing pains manifest in children?
Even if growing pains in children are not easy to distinguish from other similar complaints, there are typical symptoms:
- The pain does not usually occur during physical exertion, but only after extensive movement.
- A typical symptom of growing pains in children is that the complaints are generally observed at night.
- Children complain of growing pains lasting between a few minutes and an hour.
- It is also typical for these complaints to disappear the next morning.
- It is common for growing pains in children to have long intervals between complaints. It can also take several weeks or even years before children experience the pain again.
- Children are not usually able to localize the pain.
- The symptoms occur most frequently in the thighs and lower legs and less frequently in the joints. The ankles and knees are the most common areas of complaint in this disease.
- It is also typical for growing pains in children that the pain moves and changes sides.
3 What to do about growing pains in children?
Evening growing pains in children may disappear by themselves in the morning, but parents can do a lot to alleviate the discomfort.
- Gentle massages: A gentle massage and muscle stretching can help to alleviate the pain. In addition to soothing oils for massage, the external application of lotions containing magnesium is also recommended, such as the Magnesium Cream Lotion from Casida. This is a natural product that is also very suitable for children's skin and can be applied daily. The Magnesium Cream Lotion from Casida contains natural care ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E oil as well as pure Zechstein magnesium chloride and is gentle on children's skin. Simply apply and massage in using gentle circular movements.
- Care and attention: The pain usually only lasts until the child falls asleep. Until then, family care such as stroking, comforting and talking to the child helps. It is best to provide comfort and a feeling of security in combination with a massage or stroking of the affected areas.
- No painkillers: As the causes of growing pains in children have not been conclusively clarified and psychological factors probably also play a role, painkillers are not an effective solution. Parents should only administer painkillers to children in exceptional cases and in consultation with the pediatrician.
Important note / disclaimer: As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
