By Ester Marsh
For the Salisbury Post
Q. How would I know the difference between growing pains and an injury?
A. It is very important to differentiate between the two and to confirm have your doctor diagnose the problem. Here are some things to watch for.
Growing pains usually affect the limbs especially the legs of children who are still undergoing growth and development.
Symptoms that could be part of growing pains:
• Muscle aches and pains in both legs, mostly in the calf, behind the knee and in front of the thigh.
• Using the legs does not make the pain better or worse.
• Pain comes and goes. It could happen a few times per week at night or every night for a week or so.
• Most of the time, the pain is worse during the night, particularly when the child is going to sleep.
• The pain can be severe enough that it can wake up the child.
• The pain is usually gone by morning.
• Occasionally, the muscles in the arms may be affected.
• The child also may complain of headaches.
Treatment options:
• I know that with my first two children, massaging the areas helped relieve the pain.
• Heat treatment such as hot baths and hot water bottles.
• Pain medications to alleviate the pain.
When it is not growing pains:
• When your child is limping.
• Severe pain or pain that only affects one leg or arm
• Pain continues through the day
• It is affecting the way they run or walk
• There is swelling. Redness and/or tenderness of the leg or arm
• Child has a fever
Due to the fact that children are playing more competitive sports, sport related injuries have risen tremendously. Since children still have growth plates (epiphyseal plate) the stress of the tendons pulling on the growth plates can create problems. One common injury is apophysitis, which is an inflammation.
Common affected areas can be the knee, where the patellar ligament, due to overuse can inflame that growth plate. Or elbow, known as medial apophysitis, which is also called Little Leaguer’s elbow. Or even feet and hips.
Due to growth, the muscles might get tight so it is important to stretch daily and hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds at a time, with 1 to 2 sets per exercise. Some simple strength exercises using their body weight might be beneficial, and cross training is a must. Remember, they are still growing and have their whole life (sports included) ahead of them.
Ester H. Marsh, ACSM, Cpt