What are Growing Pains?
Achy legs keeping your child awake at night? If so, then they might have growing pains. Children can experience restless nights in which their calves as well as their shins and thighs will ache. These symptoms in school-age children are a result of physical stress.
Contrary to its name, growing pains in children don’t always occur during periods of rapid growth. Studies have shown that growing pains may not exist, but instead linked to restless leg syndrome which occurs from overactivity during the day. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, they are thought to result from a combination of factors. Rapid bone growth during childhood may temporarily outpace the adaptation of surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing strain. Increased daytime physical activity can lead to microtrauma in these soft tissues, which becomes more noticeable during rest. Additionally, some researchers suggest a role for lower pain thresholds, joint hypermobility, or even vascular changes. Growing pains in children generally resolve without long-term effects.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With The Pain?
Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage and relieve swelling and pain caused by growing pains. Routine chiropractic care provides children a gentle, non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications (OTCs), which are commonly prescribed to patients to help them manage their pain and swelling.
This safe procedure is called a "chiropractic adjustment". Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving nervous system function and spinal health, children's bodies have the ability to better manage symptoms caused by growing pains.
How Spinal Manipulations can help with growing pains in children.
- Improved spinal joint motion
- Correct postural muscle imbalances
- Improved flexibility
Natural Home Care for Growing Pains in Children
Growing pains are a common part of childhood, usually occurring in the legs at night, and while they are harmless, they can still cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. In addition to chiropractic care, parents can try several natural home remedies to ease their child’s symptoms. One of the simplest strategies is gentle massage of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees before bedtime or when pain arises. Light pressure helps relax tight muscles and can provide immediate comfort. Warm compresses or a heating pad applied to sore areas for 10–15 minutes may also ease discomfort by improving circulation and calming muscle tension. Another helpful tool is stretching exercises tailored for children, such as gentle hamstring or calf stretches, which can be done in a playful way before bed to prevent stiffness. Ensuring that your child stays well-hydrated and maintains a balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D supports healthy muscle and bone development, reducing the frequency of pain episodes. Some children also benefit from a warm bath before bed, which promotes relaxation and prepares the body for restful sleep. Supportive shoes or cushioned insoles during the day may help minimize leg strain, especially for active children who run and play for long hours. Parents should also focus on creating a consistent bedtime routine with adequate rest, since fatigue can make growing pains worse. While growing pains typically resolve on their own, these natural home care strategies can significantly reduce discomfort and provide both children and parents with peace of mind. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or limping, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions.
Book your child's first appointment today at Aiello Family Chiropractic in Franklin, TN