As many parents of teenagers know, when your child moves from tween to teen, their growth spurts are accompanied by various bodily changes. Among these changes includes “growing pains” whereby many teens report experiencing pains in their legs.
“These pains, while common and usually harmless, can be a source of discomfort and concern for both teenagers and their parents,” explains Selvan Naicker, brand manager for CrampEase®. He continues to explain that growing pains are a type of musculoskeletal discomfort that typically occurs in the legs, particularly in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. Although the name suggests that these pains are directly related to growth, the exact cause remains unclear. What is known is that growing pains tend to occur during periods of rapid growth, particularly during the pre-teen and early teenage years.
Through research, it has been found that these pains tend to manifest in the evening or at night, often waking the teen from sleep. “The pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as an aching or throbbing sensation,” comments Naicker. It has been found that growing pains are more common in active teens but can affect anyone, and although the exact cause of growing pains is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to their occurrence:
- Muscle fatigue: During periods of rapid growth, muscles and bones may not grow at the same rate, leading to tension and strain in the muscles.
- Physical activity: Active teens, especially those involved in sports, may experience growing pains more frequently due to increased physical strain on their muscles.
- Joint overuse: Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can stress the joints and surrounding muscles, contributing to discomfort.
While growing pains are generally harmless and tend to resolve on their own as the teen matures, there are several ways to help alleviate the discomfort your teen may be feeling:
- Gentle stretching before bed can help relieve muscle tension and reduce the likelihood of nighttime pain. Focus on stretching the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps.
- A warm bath before bedtime can relax sore muscles and provide temporary relief from pain. Adding Epsom salts can enhance the soothing effect.
- Massaging the affected area can help ease the pain and promote relaxation. Using a warm, soothing lotion or oil can enhance the benefits of massage. CrampEase® Gel formulated with plant-derived oils like Eucalyptus and Lavender, can help to relieve muscle cramps and pains while enhancing circulation.
- A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium can support healthy bone and muscle development, potentially reducing the severity of growing pains.
- Staying well-hydrated can help maintain muscle function and reduce cramps, which may contribute to growing pains.
- Encourage your teen to engage in regular but moderate physical activity. Overexertion can exacerbate growing pains, so balance is key.
- Adequate rest is essential for recovery. Ensure that your teen is getting enough sleep and taking breaks from strenuous activities when necessary.
- If the pains do not improve and other symptoms such as swelling occurs, please consult your doctor
Growing pains, while uncomfortable, are a normal part of adolescence for many teens. By understanding the nature of these pains and implementing simple strategies to alleviate discomfort, you can help your teen navigate this phase with greater ease. Remember, growing pains are usually temporary and will often resolve as your teen’s body adjusts to its new growth.
