Growing Pains

Growing pains occur commonly in active children.  Some growing pains are simply due to muscles, tendons and bones growing at different rates.  When there is a rapid growth spurt the muscles and tendons often lag behind, placing additional strain on them.  When carefully managed, the muscles will gain strength and the growing pains will ease.

Other forms of growing pains are more serious, such as around the back of the heels, front of the knees or within the hips.  These are specific conditions called Sever’s disease, Osgood-Schlatter disease and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.  Irreparable damage can occur if left untreated.

If in doubt see your podiatrist for assessment and management.