Growing Pains? - Fullerton, CA

I have been going through the same thing for about over a year now. My daughter is 5 and from time to time would complain of her ankles and legs hurting. I started to do gentle massage after her bath when she was relaxed. It seemed to help. My daughter is tall for her age because I am 5'11 and my husband is 6'2,she is about as tall as a 7 or 8 year old. Try gentle massage with a little bit of lotion.

P. R.

HI S.,
Your daughter might be suffering from shoes that dont support her ankles, if she runs a lot and plays a lot. I have flat feet, but have never been diagnosted by a doctor, just because I never had a big issue with them. I remember when I was growing up though, my ankles would hurt, due to badly supported ankles. So my mom purchased shoes that were more stable and supportive. As far as the wrists, I'm not sure. If she is learning to write, maybe she is holding her pencil and a funny angle.
I would ask a doctor to check it out, just in case.
: )
M.
http://www.livetotalwellness.com/M.

Hi S.,
Growing pains in children are quite common and these pains being present at bedtime is also common. During the day the children are at play and busy...the growth buds are located at the joints and get a good work out during the day time.
A diet of calcium fortified foods, an addition of olive oil added to them will strengthen and oil the joints to a healthy and wholesome status.
No sugars. No high fibers without a balance of all other nutrients. High fiber only diets don't have the capabilities of joint lubrication.
Stay away from white breads and pastas, white vegetables that turn foods to sugar. The bleaching process of breads and pasta flours cause inflamation in the joints and high acid foods cause an imbalance of ph causing more inflamation.
Let your childs foods be organically growth from the meats to the vegetables, juices and dairy.
There will be limited pain associated with the "growth spurts", however, proper diet will eliminate the extreme painful nights. Proper diet will eliminate the added inflamations. "Oil" the joints and feed only foods that will assist in the growth process.
A nice warm bath of 20 minutes in the evening will also relax your child and bring on a restful sleep. No longer than 20 minutes in warm water. The chlorine in city water can be absorbed into the body and isn't healthy. So limit bath time and water should be lukewarm...not hotter. Hotter will open pores. Less absorbsion with lukewarm water. Or you can make heating pads with material and sand. Oblong squares sewed together and filled with sand. Place in a microwave for just a few minutes and wrapped with a towel and laid on the painful joints will comfort the child.

This is an interesting question. My Daughter was about 8 whe she started feeling pain in her ankles. We also chalked it up to growing pains, but her pain worsened enought o start limiting her activities. we had to search for a doctor that would would pay attention to this child, but eventually we got to the bottom of the problem. She had some bones that were growing abnormally and fusing to other bones in her feet causing limited range of motion and alot of soft tissue pain because the bones had also disrupted the soft tissue in her ankles.

There are many problems that can give a child this age pain in her joints. Many of which are simple to remedy. Is she wearing good, supportive shoes? Is she doing alot of tumbling? However, if her pain persists, causes tears, or seems to be limiting the activity she is interested in participating in, you should get her to a pediatric orthopedic specialist, pronto! Growing pains can be relieved with heat packs, extra calcium, and rest. At 5, she seems young to be having "Growing pains", but she may be sensitive and more aware of her body than most children. If she seems miserable, i wouldn't wait to get her to a doctor.

For YEARS I have used these 2 homeopathics for my kids growing pains..
Calc. Phos and Mag. Phos. I kid you not, in my 23 years as a parent of four, this is a downright miracle I've seen in my kids! Especially one of my sons...Not only that, but it really adresses the body's need... they are just cell-salts..safer than tylenol and work much faster, work every time. Of coures, calcium, magnesium, water, nutrition too...
-L. P

HI,
I just took my 5 year old to the dr with the same complaint. Her older brother, now 16, also had a terrible time with 'growing pains' and they plagued him through every growth spurt. But this time I learned something new. The dr told me to make sure she's a big milk drinker (she is, and how!) and to make sure she has a little extra salt in her diet. The pains are linked to growth, but he said they are actually a muscle cramp in the area affected. A little more salt in the diet will alleviate the cramping. I'm trying it -- you try it, too, and we'll let everyone know how it works!

:-)

If it was one or the other, I wouldn't worry. Flat feet could indeed cause ankle pain, however my flat feet actually cause knee pain. Shoes with arch support are a big help. However, since it's both, I would be concerned and would discuss with the dr. Various things come to mind - arthritis, etc. Good luck.