Growing pains: Understanding and managing this common teenage problem
As a parent, watching your child transition from a tween to a teenager can be both exciting and challenging. During this period of rapid growth, many teens experience "growing pains", particularly in their legs, which can cause discomfort and worry for both teens and their parents.
“These pains, while common and usually harmless, can be a source of concern,” explained Selvan Naicker, brand manager for CrampEase.
According to Naicker, growing pains are a type of musculoskeletal discomfort that typically appears in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees.
Despite the name, the exact cause of these pains remains unclear. However, they often coincide with periods of rapid growth during the pre-teen and early teenage years.
The nature of growing pains
Research has shown that these pains often manifest in the evening or night, sometimes waking teens from sleep.
Naicker further explained, “The pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as an aching or throbbing sensation.”
While growing pains seem to be more common in active teens, they can affect anyone. The exact cause remains unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to their occurrence:
Muscle fatigue: During rapid growth, muscles and bones may not grow at the same rate, leading to muscle tension.
Physical activity: Teens involved in sports are more prone to growing pains due to increased strain on their muscles.
Joint overuse: Repetitive activities like running or jumping can stress joints and surrounding muscles, contributing to discomfort.
How to relieve growing pains
While growing pains typically resolve on their own as the teen matures, there are several ways to help alleviate the discomfort:
Gentle stretching: Encourage your teen to stretch before bed this can help relieve muscle tension, especially in the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps.
Warm baths: A warm bath before bedtime can relax sore muscles. Adding Epsom salts may enhance the soothing effect.
Massage: Massaging the affected areas can ease pain and promote relaxation. Naicker suggested using a warm, soothing lotion or oil, such as CrampEase® Gel, which is formulated with plant-derived oils like eucalyptus and lavender that help relieve muscle cramps and enhance circulation.
Balanced diet: A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium supports healthy bone and muscle development, potentially reducing the severity of growing pains.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining muscle function and reducing cramps, which may contribute to growing pains.
Moderate physical activity: Encourage your teen to engage in regular but moderate physical activity. Overexertion can make growing pains worse, so finding balance is key.
Adequate rest: Proper rest is crucial for recovery. Ensure your teen gets enough sleep and takes breaks from strenuous activities.
When to consult a doctor
Although growing pains are usually harmless, they should improve over time. If the discomfort persists or other symptoms such as swelling occur, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other potential issues.
A normal part of adolescence
Growing pains, while uncomfortable, are a normal part of adolescence for many teenagers. Understanding the nature of these pains and implementing simple strategies can help your teen navigate this phase more easily.
As Naicker pointed out: “Growing pains are usually temporary and will often resolve as your teen’s body adjusts.”
By offering support and relief, parents can help make this challenging yet natural phase a little more bearable for their children.
As your teen continues to grow, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference.
While growing pains may be a temporary inconvenience, they are a reminder that adolescence is a time of remarkable physical change. With the right care and attention, your teen will soon be past this phase, stronger and healthier than ever.