Knee Pain In Children
Children fall, bruise or cut themselves and still remain courageous enough to get back out there and play.
While they are resilient, it can be scary when your child complains about knee pain.
As a child is in the development stage, their bodies are fragile and vulnerable to damage.
Here are some of the most common knee pains in children and how they can be treated.
Growing Pains
Children tend to experience “growing pains” during preschool and preteen years and no longer feel the growing pains symptoms during their teenage life. These sorts of pains are not a sign of a serious problem, but can cause the child discomfort.
Where do Growing Pains occur?
They typically occur in the thigh, calf muscles and behind the knees.
In exceptional cases, it can also occur in the arm or forearm regions. Such pains range from aches and cramps that can be mild or severe.
How to Identify a Possible Growing Pain?
Pain occurs at night and go back to normal by morning
Child wakes up pain
Both legs are affected
The pains may exist intermittently or lasts a few days
Is followed by headaches or other abdominal pain
Treatment for Growing Pains
Currently, there is no definitive treatment for growing pains. However, parents can help ease their child’s pain with a variety of “home remedies”:
Taking a warm bath
Immersing in warm water can help reduce the pain and aches.Massages
Gently massaging the affected area can ease the pain a bit. Using oils while massaging sufficiently soothes strained and overworked joints and muscles.
Stretching
Stretching the calves and thighs throughout the day may help to prevent symptoms. If pain is present, frequent stretching can reduce the pain. For many children stretching is a challenge, therefore parents or legal guardians should consult with a doctor prior to attempting stretching exercises.
Warming
Applying heat a warm towel or pad can reduce the pain significantly and promote relaxation.
Final Thoughts
Although many of these conditions are temporary during the earlier periods of a child’s life, seeking professional help shouldn’t be dismissed. Parent that have children experiencing growing pains should seek medical attention at once.