Growing pains are another possible occurrence during puberty which can often be overlooked. Overall, growing pains are muscle-pains in which muscles cramp or feel achy. Some children experience something like this in their legs during their preschool years due to growth. They can also occur during the pubescent years and then usually go away after the growth is completed.
Some helpful habits to help ease growing pains include:
- Ensuring your young person is drinking enough fluids. Plain water is a great and cost effective beverage. For specific amounts to drink, consult a medical professional.
- Encouraging your young person to stretch. Perhaps you and your child can take yoga classes (in-person or online) together to stretch.
- Gently massaging your young person’s legs. Or, if you choose and can afford to, have a professional massager or physical therapist help out, including giving advice on simple exercises or stretches.
- Serving anti-inflammatory food in meals, including green leafy vegetables, certain fishes (like salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel), almonds, and tomatoes. Healthy diets usually help all aspects of growth.
- If you choose to, provide an over-the-counter medicine to help alleviate the pain.
- Remember to check with your medical professional if the pain is severe, seems to continue for a longer period of time, or is of any other concern.
