Adults are not the only ones who experience aches and pains in their joints. As many as 10-20% of children complain of vague recurrent leg pain especially at night. This pain is mostly located deep in the leg usually in the thigh, knee or calf. These symptoms are commonly dismissed as ‘growing pains’. This may not be the case and some easily treatable problems may go ignored. While it seems reasonable to accept that the pain is due to growth, why does this condition occur only in the legs, and not other parts of the body that grow, such as the arms, fingers and nose?
Download August 2012 Newsletter here : Growing Pains
Growing pains occur during the very active years of adolescence. Studies into growing pains have identified a number of conditions that may contribute to growing pains, including rapid growth, overexertion, rheumatic conditions, infections, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and orthopaedic problems.
Physiotherapists can assess whether a child is suffering from growing pains or whether there may be other reasons associated with the pain such as hypermobility or altered foot posture. Children tend to have a greater improvement in pain and mobility if treatment commences soon after the initial diagnosis. If left untreated the condition may become chronic as they reach adulthood. Children have faster healing capabilities and more mobility and flexibility in the joints to accommodate this.
If your child has growing pains then physiotherapy may include:
- Pain management advice such as use of heat or gentle massage
- Exercises to stretch and strengthen any tight or weak muscles
- Advice on maintenance of flexibility during growth spurts
- Joint mobilisation & manipulation to address joint dysfunction
- Reassurance and advice to children and parents
This will allow children to perform in regular childhood activities free of pain and tension.
Physiotherapy is a safe and natural way to ease the pain and discomfort associated with growing pains.
Stretch of the Month
Upper Back Extension Stretch
1. Kneel on a floor mat on your hands and knees
2. Gently stretch your arms out in front of you along the floor while allowing your head to drop towards the floor and your bottom to move towards your heels
3. Feel the stretch in your upper back between your shoulder blades
4. Gently walk your fingertips away from your body for a stronger stretch in the shoulders
5. Work on keeping your tail bone as close to your heels as possible
Towards Wellness
Natural Facial Treatment for Winter Skin
You needn’t look any further than your kitchen for a natural facial treatment for winter skin. One facial mask that is extremely popular is made from a mixture of oats, a banana and almond oil. First, mash up a banana. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of uncooked oats and 2 drops of almond oil. Apply liberally to the face and sit back and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Alternatively, you can simply mash a banana or avocado and apply it to the face. Both bananas and avocados contain natural oils and antioxidants that make excellent treatments for winter skin.
