Understanding and Easing Growing Pains
Understanding and Easing Growing Pains
Image supplied by the publicist
Growing pains – we've all heard of them. If you think back to childhood or recall stories from parents, these night-time leg aches are a familiar concept.1a But what are they, really?
Growing pains usually show up between the ages of three and 12.1a Kids complain of aches or pains, mostly in their legs, occurring at nighttime.1b While there are many theories behind what causes growing pains the exact cause remains a mystery.1c
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Growing Pains?
Kids experiencing growing pains often feel discomfort in their thighs, calves, shins, or the area behind their knees.2a While it's less common, some children might also feel pain in their arms.2b
It's worth noting that growing pains can come and go — they might last for some time, but they aren't a daily occurrence.2c
Managing Growing Pains: Tips for Parents
If your child is dealing with growing pains, here's some good news: they're temporary and won't affect your child’s growth.3a Until they pass, you can help ease your child's discomfort in several ways:
Massage: A gentle rub can alleviate the pain.3b
Warmth: Use a heating pad to soothe aching areas.3c
Medication: Consider over-the counter pain medications specifically for children.3d
Remember, it's essential not to let the pain limit your child's daytime activities. Avoiding activity won't prevent future episodes and might even intensify the pain.3e
Image supplied by Panado South Africa
Panado®: A Helping Hand
While growing pains can be distressing, there are ways to manage your child’s pain.
Panado® paediatric range of products includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry,4 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free,5 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets and Panado® Infant Drops6.
Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child's age and weight.
Parents trust8 Panado® for the power to fight their little one’s pain and provide fast9 relief when needed most. Panado® products are available at Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers, including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.
Image supplied by Panado South Africa
References:
1. Goodyear-Smith F, Arroll B. Growing pains. BMJ. 2006 Sep 2;333(7566):456-7. doi: 10.1136/bmj.38950.463877.80. PMID: 16946319; PMCID: PMC1557982. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1557982/. Last accessed August 2023.
2. Kids Health. Growing pains. Available from : https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growing-pains.html. Last accessed August 2023.
3. Hospital for Special Surgery. Growing pains. Available from : https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_growing-pains.asp. Last accessed August 2023.
4. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry (Syrup). Approved package insert, March 2002.
5. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free / Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010.
6. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990.
7. Circana, MT, Oct 2024 MAT.
8. Wilcock A, Twycross R. Therapeutic reviews: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 2013;46(5):747-755
For full prescribing information refer to the Professional Information approved by the medicine’s regulatory authority. Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No.: 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK / 232625 www.adcock.com. 2023080710304715. February 2024.
