Handling growing pains in older children

A common phenomenon faced by many parents, growing pains are a normal occurrence in about 25 to 40 % of children worldwide. It occurs mostly in the age groups of 3 to 5 year olds and later in 8 to 12 year olds. Sometimes even through all the growing years. It does get a bit bothersome if you have to wake up in the middle of the night and massage your child’s leg, but there is no respite as he/she won’t be able to sleep properly.

Why does it happen ?

Blame it on the growth of bones or excessive playing, jumping and running around they do during the day; the actual cause is yet to be identified. You would probably notice that the pain is more when they have had a sports day or marathon.

How can soothe pain in my child’s legs?

1. Medication like pain relievers should be used a last resort and if it is a chronic problem you could check with the doctor.Calcium supplements should be taken under doctors supervision only.

2. Massage the area with good OTC pain relieving creams, Ayurvedic pain relieving oils or gel for relief. You will need to massage till the child sleeps.

3. If it’s a minor pain , make the child stretch his/her legs and hold the stretch for some time.

4. If you have a heating pad or hot water bottle you could place that on the area which is paining.

5. Another home remedy is to take a tub full of hot water and put a handful of rock salt and soak the child feet. This is an excellent remedy when compared to massaging. Only to do it in the middle of the night could be a bit tiring!