Pain in the legs in the youngest children is a very common phenomenon. The causes can be several. However, most adults do not know how to counteract this ailment. We explain: what are the most common causes of pain and how to react.
Among adolescents, the most common cause is the so-called growing pains. The cramp is felt in the leg muscles of children between kindergarten and elementary school (they reappear between the ages of 8 and 12). The most common time for the pain to occur is in the afternoon and evening.
Growing pains usually begin in early childhood, around age 3 or 4. They usually reappear in children between the ages of 8 and 12. How to counteract it?
During adolescence, the human body undergoes numerous intense transformations. One of them is rapid adolescent growth, most often when the child is resting (for example, after school or when he goes to bed). The rapid growth of limbs can generate pain. Sometimes, however, it is caused by improper posture.
Dynamic growth can lead to misaligned bones, so keep a close eye on your offspring. Children are at risk for scoliosis, flat feet, among other conditions, and may have very serious health problems in the future.
In some cases, these sudden changes can project their entire lives. Untreated, they cause numerous defects. Spinal problems can take a toll on all physical performance, etc.
The vast majority of children do not experience growth pains, or neglect them because of the minor difficulties they generate. They can therefore occur in varying degrees of severity. In some adolescents, however, they are very annoying.
Sometimes the pain is felt for several months or even years. Nevertheless, this is a natural process that should sooner or later subside.
The most common symptoms are the aches and pains in the leg area mentioned earlier (the child may feel that there has been a displacement of the knee bones). The timing of the pain will also be significant, as we mentioned during the rest period (usually afternoon and evening).
That’s when it’s best to go to the doctor. The specialist will be able to objectively assess whether there was a contusion, for example, or whether the child actually had growing pains. Through analysis and medical history, the doctor can rule out ailments characterized by similar symptoms.
On the one hand, the process of growth is natural, on the other hand, it can cause pain that prevents some children from functioning freely. In such a situation, a number of activities are recommended to alleviate the discomfort.
Among the most commonly recommended are physical exercises involving stretching. Yoga may also be appropriate. Regular massages will also be a good idea. In case of a sudden cramp, it is a good idea to bandage the painful area with a warm cloth (such as a moist, warm towel).
The use of painkillers, on the other hand, requires consultation with a doctor. This is because the correct dose should be measured, and some substances should not be given to the child at all. Particularly inadvisable is aspirin, which can cause Reye’s syndrome, which is particularly dangerous for the youngest.
main photo: unsplash.com/Artem Kniaz
