Growing Pains

Growing pains are characterised by aches or pains that occur in the evening or at night commonly affecting children between the ages of 3 and 12 years.  Although they cause concern and distress, growing pains do not cause long-term problems or disability.

Growing pains can be helped with simple analgesia, firm massage to your child’s legs and the application of heat packs.

Despite what the name suggests, there is no link to growth spurts so some doctors are starting to name the condition recurrent nocturnal limb pain in children.  The symptoms are often described as intense cramp like pain in both legs at night often affecting the calves, shins and ankles.  During the day your child should be able to function as normal without any signs of injury or pain.  If your child’s symptoms are different to this, it is unlikely that they have growing pains and further investigation and assessment should be sought from your GP or a trained Physiotherapist. This is where our experts at The Physiotherapy Academy can help.  Call today for further advice, information or to book an appointment. 

To arrange an appointment or speak to a physiotherapist, call or email on:

Southend on Sea: 01702 521 042 or info@physioacademy.co.uk
Chelmsford: 01245 254 069 or chelmsford@physioacademy.co.uk

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