Minor Injuries: Seeking Treatment in a Timely Manner

You probably remember as a child complaining about your legs hurting while you were trying to sleep. Now, your child is complaining of the same thing. It's hard to see your child in pain, so it's important to get to the bottom of the problem. In many cases, it probably isn't a big deal and is actually just growing pains. However, there are instances when it may be something more problematic. Read on to learn more about what growing pains are, what signs to look for in case it's not growing pains and a few home remedies to help with the growing pains. 

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are very common, but they can also be very painful. They generally occur throughout the night for no reason at all. The pain is typically sharp and throbbing, which can often be so intense that your child is awoken from sleep.

Getting a Diagnosis of Growing Pains

If your child continues to have leg pain for an extended period of time and it doesn't let up, it may be best to take them to their pediatrician for a full check-up. As long as an examination is normal and there is no swelling, redness or movement limitations, then the pain is probably caused for growing pains.

Symptoms of Something More Serious

There are medical conditions that need to be ruled out before your child is diagnosed with growing pains. In many cases, the problem is not growing pains if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Persistent pain
• Limping
• Redness or swelling of a specific joint or area of the leg
• Fever
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Abnormal behavior
• Loss of appetite

How to Help Relieve the Intense Sensations from Growing Pains

Unfortunately, there is no cure available for growing pains. However, if your child does in fact have growing pains, there are a few things that you can do help alleviate the pain, including these home remedies:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Warm baths before bed
• Heating pads
• Gentle rubbing and massaging of the aching area.

If you think your child may be suffering from growing pains or you're worried that the pain could be from something more serious, call and schedule an appointment with a pediatrician like Pediatric Consultants of Mansfield. He or she can get to the bottom of the pain and help you devise an effective treatment plan. If it is indeed growing pains, rest assured that it is only temporary and the pain will go away in time.