Growing Pains
Your five-year old complains that her legs hurt and the pain sometimes disturbs her sleep at night. Your mother laughs it off as "growing pains" and tells you to relax, she'll grow out of it. But are there really such a things as "growing pains"?
Up to 40% of children in early childhood (3-5 years of age) and early adolescence (8-12 years of age) experience growing pains. They mostly occur in the late afternoon or early evening, although they have been known to wake a sleeping child.
Generally, the pain is located in muscles in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees. The pain typically occurs in both legs and there is no swelling or redness present.
Of course, if your child is experiencing pain, it is wise to rule out other causes, especially if any of the following symptoms are also present:- Limping
- Fever
- Redness or swelling of the joints (knees or ankles)
- Pain that won't go away
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Often, a visit to our practice will uncover a spinal problem that may be contributing to your child's pain. Chiropractic adjustments are modified to take the size of the child into consideration. Many children seem to enjoy better health and a decrease in pain after beginning chiropractic care in our practice.
Please let us know if your child is experiencing any type of pain for which a cause cannot be found. We will be happy to examine your child to determine whether there is any type of spinal nerve interference that could be a contributing factor. We do not believe that any child should have to live with "growing pains."
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