Growing pains? Sounds a little odd as growing is a natural and expected physiological process for children and adolescents. After all, it’s their primary job so why do some children complain about pain without an obvious injury or disease process whilst others cruise through this phase seamlessly. Is it a loose phrase doctor’s are quick to jump on when they can’t find something or is there such a thing as “Growing Pains”?
The term “Growing Pains” is misleading as it suggests growing should be painful and most of us know that this is simply not the case so what is it?
Growing pains occur when the growth of bones and the growth of soft tissues such as muscles are out of sync. If bones have a sudden growth spurt and the muscles don’t lengthen to keep a normal “muscle length-tension ratio” it results in excessively tight muscles pulling on the soft bone growth plates which is what causes the pain.
Generally, we find “growing pains” are more common in highly active adolescents where the soft growth plates are constantly being challenged with very little rest in between to recover.
With the right professional management, children don’t need to suffer unnecessarily. It shouldn’t be brushed aside as something that you must go through during adolescence.
What Can Be Done to Help Growing Pain?
Our Podiatrist Dr Ella Wright will prescribe corrective rehabilitative exercises to lengthen any tight soft tissues. She will also check if poor foot biomechanics such as flat feet are contributing to the pull of any growth plates resulting in Osgood Schlatter’s Disease or Sever’s disease.
With a thorough assessment and right treatment strategy, growing pains will usually disappear within days or just a few weeks rather than the usual 18 months or more if left untreated. There are simple, safe and effective solutions available so no need to suffer growing pains.