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SuzanneG
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 9:56am | IP Logged
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I never realized that the term "Growing Pains" actually meant true, physical pain until I read it a couple years ago in one of Mary Ann Budnik's books (Raise Happy Children, Raise Them Saints, I think). I always thought it was just a phrase.
My third daughter, who is almost 5, has been complaining of this (at least I think that's what it is) during the night for the past couple of months. She wakes up with her legs hurting. And, it's not because she has them folded under her or anything....cuz it's happened when she's been sleeping with us and she's just lying straight, as I can see her. It really hurts. We rub and massage her legs.
I'm just interested to know how others have seen this with your dc. How old, how often, what age, etc.
Is there anything else to do?
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Suzanne in ID
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Martha in VA
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 10:07am | IP Logged
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Two of my daughters have these intermittently. The oldest started when she was between 12 and 18 months old! She was too young to tell me the problem yet I could tell she was in pain. It seems to go in spurts with my girls - probably when they are in a growth spurt. I say this because the pain seems to be actually in the bone and not in the muscle. We use ibuprofen and sometimes some gentle massage. The ibuprofen really has been the best remedy we've found although it may take up to 45 minutes before they start feeling relief. On the nights when they are really, really hurting badly, I just sit on their beds with them and rub their shins and calves. My oldest is now almost 13 and still gets them from time to time but not nearly as often anymore. Hope that helps!
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 11:35am | IP Logged
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My 7yo has had these pains for at least 3 years now (at random. Sometimes he'll go weeks without it, sometimes it's several times a week.) As with your daughter, it only happens at night. The pediatrician said that it happens when they've been playing hard (running, walking lots) during the day, but I find that's not true. It happens even when we've done "nothing." I thought weather (cold, humidity) might make a difference, but haven't found that to be true either.
So far, the only things that have helped are tylenol and ice packs. Massage helps some too, but it just comes back a couple of hours later if we don't give tylenol as well. A friend's daughter eats half a banana a day and that helps her, but I can't tell yet if it helps my son (we're not consistent enough with bananas).
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Rachel May
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 12:54pm | IP Logged
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My oldest 2 are the most prone to this as was I. It seems more prevalent during sports season, but like Janette says, that isn't always the reason.
Growing pains started around age 5 and happened sometimes several times a week. Now they are less frequent, but the 9 year olds still get them. Preventatively, we make the kids drink LOTS of water and we have done bananas, but I had forgotten about that (thanks Janette).
When they are in pain during the day, I first have them drink a big glass of water. About a half an hour later, I give tylenol. In the middle of the night we just go straight for tylenol. I've tried massaging their legs, but the results aren't great. My mom used to sit on my legs to put them to sleep which worked great, but she is a small lady.  I'm too big to do it to my kids.
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 1:37pm | IP Logged
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I had growing pains, but I don't recall doing anything for them.It was just one of those things. I think they stopped around the time I hit puberty.
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Sarah M
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 3:16pm | IP Logged
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My dd6 (almost 7) has had growing pains for the last 2 years or so- more often, recently. She is very tall for her age, and I wonder if that has anything to do with it? At any rate, we just use Tylenol- they haven't woken her in the night or anything- yikes. I'll be praying for your daughter, Suzanne!
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Booksnbabes
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 4:05pm | IP Logged
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I feel for your dd! I had growing pains throughout my growing years. They were awful. I just used massage (had to do it myself). My eldest dd (6) also gets them, and has for at least two years, maybe three.
We use massage and Tylenol and make certain to up her potassium and fluid intake.
They are sporadic, but typically occur at night and will wake her (one of the few things that will!). Massage is the immediate response, coupled with pain killer if they come back. Sometimes I'll even give her a banana while I massage. The next day we up fluids and potassium to prevent a recurrence that night. They are typically associated with a growth spurt, but can occur if she's been especially active that day.
Mine just stopped on their own, I think after puberty. I don't remember getting them in late high school or college anyway!
My other dd has not had them.
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KristinaP
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| Posted: Nov 06 2008 at 5:46am | IP Logged
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I used to have them and they were so bad I couldn't move my legs during the night. A heating pad really, really helped and I sure wish my parents would have given me Tylenol but the heating pad and leg massage/rubbing usually did the trick. Definitely keep up with the calcium,potassium and fluid intake.
Also, if she's not wearing properly fitted shoes, that can contribute. I had (still have) very narrow feet and if my shoes weren't carefully fitted, I would end up with shin splints, also contributing to the night pains.
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: Nov 10 2008 at 11:31pm | IP Logged
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Great feedback...thanks everyone! Good tips and things to watch for!
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Suzanne in ID
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Syncletica
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| Posted: Nov 19 2008 at 10:36pm | IP Logged
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I had horrible growing pains when I was young, probably between 3 and 5. My 4 year old dd now gets them every now and then as well. My grandma and dad would get a large pail of really warm water (as hot as I could stand it) and I'd soak my feet and legs in it for awhile. Then, my dad discovered Tiger Balm. I just happened by chance to find some at the local $ store awhile back. That stuff works wonders!! It takes the pain away within seconds/minutes. The stuff I have is red and smells like cinnamon, but in the picture at the link, the small container (which is what I have), is white. I didn't know there were different kinds. Maybe it'll help you, too.
tiger balm
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Growing Pains
