GROWING PAINS

Growing pains are usually pain or ache in the leg muscle or behind knees but without any swelling or redness. It usually comes at night or at times you are sleeping. The pain can come on for a few days, then go away and not come back for many weeks or months.

Growing pains usually start around 3-5 years of age and finish before 15-18 years. It has nothing to do about you growing. Some of the cause may be:

• Tiredness because of sports or running
• Sitting in an uncomfortable way
• Having a flat feet or knock knees
• Feeling very upset or scared about something

No one really knows what causes growing pains, as nothing found wrong with the legs when seen by a doctor.

TREATMENT

You can do the following to lessen or ease growing pains:

• Do some leg stretches before you go to bed. You may also ask someone to rub the muscles gently.
• Put a hot water bottle or heat pack on the sore bits.
• You may be given pain relief tablet to help lessen the pain.

It is important to consult a doctor to know that the symptoms you are experiencing are not because of other medical conditions.