growing pains

Ask a practicing pediatrician of some years or grandmother of any standing and you will learn that so-called "growing pains" are indeed real. These are classically described as pains that occur in the legs causing a young child to complain in the night. The pains are symmetric, that is, both legs are affected simultaneously. They may be intense, simulating cramps. The pains classically respond to some parental rubbing and a dose of Tylenol®. They only occur in healthy, growing children, usually in the preschool to early school years. Just why they occur is beyond me. The theories include muscle or ligament stretching with rapid limb growth; I have no opinion.

Night, Night! Dr. Hull's Common Sense Sleep Solutions©

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