Overcoming child growing pain, here's how

Growing pain is pain in the muscles and cramps felt by children, usually pain occurs during the day or evening. The pain is often uncomfortable, sometimes it can also interfere in the middle of bedtime. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can deal with growing pain in children.

Overcoming growing pain in children

The pain that your child feels when experiencing this condition makes them more sensitive to pain. In addition, growing pain can also be followed by headaches or pain around the stomach. So that children do not continue to complain of pain, here are various steps to relieve symptoms.

1. Massage the area affected by growing pain

Generally pain is felt in both legs, especially in the front of the thigh and the back of the calf. Do a gentle massage around that part. You can use a few drops of essential oil to relax the child.

Another product that is commonly used when dealing with growing pains is arnica cream or oil, especially for children. This product has been trusted to reduce muscle pain and is safe to use for children. It's just that, its use is not recommended for the long term.

2. Use a heating pad

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The warming effect of a heating pad can help reduce growing pain in a child by relaxing tense and sore muscles. This heating pillow can also provide comfort for children.

So as not to cause harm, set it at a temperature that is not too hot. Use it on children before bed or when complaining of pain, then remove it when the child is asleep.

If you don't have a heating pad, taking a shower or using a cloth soaked in warm water can also help. You can also make your own heating pad with socks and rice.

3. Limit nuts in the child's diet

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In fact, growing pain in children can also be influenced by food. In various plant foods, there is a substance called phytic acid which can actually worsen the pain your little one is experiencing. Some vegetable products that have this substance are wheat, nuts, and soy.

The reason is, phytic acid binds minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc in the digestive tract which makes it difficult for the body to utilize these minerals. In fact, magnesium as one example, has the ability to neutralize pain.

Therefore, you need to limit the provision of food ingredients above in your little one's diet.

4. Stretch to reduce growing pain

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The next step to dealing with growing pain is to help your child stretch their legs every morning. By stretching, the muscles will become more relaxed and of course, can reduce pain. If you are not sure, consult a physiotherapist or doctor for advice about this routine.

5. Make sure the child consumes more water

Not only avoiding dehydration, meeting your daily needs for enough water will reduce the possibility of muscle cramps. Water also helps the body feel fresher and can function optimally.

Additional tips that can be done to prevent pain is to give juice or juice from citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. These fruits are high in vitamin C which will help avoid muscle soreness.

6. Use pain medication

If the pain experienced by the child is really unbearable, you can use pain medication. However, don't use aspirin, as it puts you at risk for a disease called Reye's syndrome, which causes swelling of the liver and brain.

The drugs you can give are ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Before using this drug, it is better to ask your doctor first so that the dosage given is in the right amount.

Growing pain is actually a condition that tends to be mild and can go away on its own. However, you still have to pay attention to the condition of the child.

If the growing pain experienced in a child appears constantly followed by swelling or other symptoms such as loss of appetite, and begins to interfere with daily activities, contact your doctor immediately for proper treatment.

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