What should I do if my child has growing pains?

Jun 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

In the past month, my son has been experiencing leg pain, especially worsening at night. What should I do about growing pains in children?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Growing pains in children are a common physiological phenomenon during their development, primarily characterized by pain in the joints below the knees, often occurring at night. To manage growing pains, parents can take the following measures: 1. Balanced diet and nutritional supplementation: Ensure that children consume sufficient calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to support healthy bone development. Include more foods rich in these nutrients, such as fish, shrimp, eggs, and milk. 2. Adequate rest and moderate exercise: Guarantee children have enough rest and avoid intense physical activities that may lead to muscle fatigue. At the same time, appropriate exercise can strengthen muscles and reduce the occurrence of growing pains. 3. Warm compresses and massage: When growing pains occur, apply a warm towel to the affected area or gently massage the leg muscles to help relieve discomfort. 4. Regular health check-ups: Take children for regular medical examinations to monitor their growth and development, enabling early detection and management of any potential issues.