Growing pains are one of the most common topics among parents. Children begin complaining of leg and foot pain once they reach primary school age. Although they are called “growing pains,” there is no evidence that links the pain felt during this time to your child’s growth.
Causes of Growing Pains
A singular cause of growing pains is often unclear. While children experience pain off and on for years, it seems to disappear by the early teen years. Although growing pains in each child will look different, here are a few common causes:
- Poor Posture: Children who have flat feet will have poor posture in lower extremities, which affects their gait. Collapsed arches can also contribute to more stress on feet and legs.
- Tight Muscles: Tight muscles during growth periods can result in more pressure on tendons, bones, and joints.
- Increased Physical Activity: Many children begin engaging in sports during this age. An increase in running and jumping may also put the lower extremities under more stress.
Symptoms of Growing Pains
If your child is experiencing growing pains, they will often complain of aches and pains behind the calf or behind the knees in both legs. This pain may also present itself as a burning sensation in the muscles of the thighs and feet.
The pain will typically come and go, and your child will feel more pain at night. At times, the pain may be strong enough to keep them from sleeping or even to wake them during the night.
Your child will generally feel pain shortly after activities, especially for children who regularly engage in sports.
When To See A Doctor
You should take your child to see a doctor if:
- Your child begins to show signs of a limp
- Their foot or ankle is hot or swollen
- The pain is persistent and interferes with their daily life
- Your child feels unwell or has a fever
These symptoms may point to a more serious injury like a fracture or Achilles tendonitis.
Treatment for Growing Pains
Once your child has seen a doctor to check for serious causes of foot pain, you can decide on a course of action. There is no specific treatment for growing pains in children, but you can help them to manage the pain.
To help better support their feet and ankles, your doctor may recommend switching to more supportive footwear. In more severe cases, orthotics may help to allay some of the pain. Your doctor may also prescribe stretches to help improve the flexibility of your foot.
Visit A Podiatrist Today For Your Growing Pains
If you suspect that your child’s growing pain is stemming from a more serious injury, make an appointment to visit our Canyon Oaks office. We’ll do our best to help get your little one back on their feet as soon as possible. Fill out our online contact form to get in touch with our office. A member of our staff will be in touch with you shortly.
