Almost daily I see growing pains which commonly occur in 30% of children especially active kids. Growing pains are typically characterized by pain in the legs, usually in the front of the thighs, knees, calves but most commonly the heels. The pain can be mild to severe and can come and go.
While the exact cause of growing pains is unknown, they are thought to be caused by muscle fatigue, irritation of growth plates during a growth spurt. Children who are active and growing quickly are more likely to experience growing pains.
The good news is that sometimes growing pains are harmless and can go away on their own within a few days. However, if your child is experiencing severe pain or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling or redness, it is important to see a pediatric experienced podiatrist or physiotherapist to rule out more serious conditions.
In many cases, as a podiatrist will help to relieve the pain of growth plates. If your child has flat feet or other foot problems, I would prescribe orthotics but ONLY after we have examined other conservative options, such as Kinesio Rocktape to help improve foot function and reduce pain. I would also recommend remedial massage, exercises and stretches to help strengthen the muscles in your child’s legs.