These pains can manifest in the thighs, calves or the back of the knees.
Growing pains occur in regarding 30% of the pediatric population at some point in their development or growth. Photo: Shutterstock
In itself, the increase It is not a painful stage. However, some children report discomfort in the lower extremities of the body, mainly in the front part of the thighs and calves. These pains affect both legs and usually occur at night.
There is no medical evidence that bone stretching in the increase generate pain, so this phenomenon has been rather related to a low pain threshold in those who suffer from it, and even a psychological issue.
How to identify them?
They generally cause a kind of pain and/or palpitation in the lower limbs, although there are cases in which abdominal pain or headaches can occur during episodes of headaches. increase. It is not a constant pain, that is, it occurs in the followingnoon or evening hours and disappears in the morning.
Why are they produced?
As mentioned above, nothing proves that these pains are linked to the increase, but they can be related to small muscle injuries that are caused during the different activities of the day to day (running, walking, jumping) and manifest at night when the child is already at rest. Some professionals even associate these discomforts with the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
When to see a professional?
Consult a professional when:
- The persistence of the pain is quite prolonged
- Interferes with the child’s daily activities
- The pain focuses on the joints
- Show signs of swelling, redness, tenderness, fever, limp, or rash
- Weightloss
How to counteract pain at home?
Massaging the sore area, practicing muscle stretching, and using heating pads can relieve pain in the area. And although it is not recommended, some parents opt for the administration of pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen in children over 12 years of age.
