Some kids and teens complain of muscle aches around bedtime or wake up with pains in their legs and arms after sleeping for an hour or two.
These aches are sometimes called "growing pains."
Although no one knows for sure what's behind the pain, growth is not the cause. Even at the peak of an adolescent growth spurt, a child's rate of growth is too gradual to be painful.?
Still, these pains are normal in 25 to 40 percent of children.
While you may not be able to prevent growing pains, you can help your child lessen the aches. They are best treated with massage, a heating pad or ibuprofen.
Special guest, Dr. David Hill, MD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss what parents can do to help lesson the pain, as well as when it might be time to call the doctor.
Selected Podcast
Growing Pains: The Unexplained Phenomenon
Featuring:
Dr. David Hill is Vice President of Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington, NC and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UNC Medical School. He serves on the executive committees of the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics Council On Communications and the Media. In addition to writing a monthly column for Wilmington Parent Magazine, Dr. Hill writes and records for multiple websites including as Livestrong.com, eHow.com, and thedoctorsvideos.com. He has three children, ages 6, 9, and 11.
David Hill, MD
Dr. David Hill is Vice President of Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington, NC and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UNC Medical School. He serves on the executive committees of the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics Council On Communications and the Media. In addition to writing a monthly column for Wilmington Parent Magazine, Dr. Hill writes and records for multiple websites including as Livestrong.com, eHow.com, and thedoctorsvideos.com. He has three children, ages 6, 9, and 11.