Physio Dee Why, Physio northern beacheste Title

Growing pains are common among children with as many as one in five children experiencing some degree of this pain during their early years. 

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Children and adolescents often complain of pain and it can be confusing to distinguish between the various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain or classic 'idiopathic' growing pains. 

Idiopathic growth pain is usually seen between the ages of three and twelve, with children generally growing out of it. This type of pain is commonly seen in children with bio-mechanical issues such as poor posture and flat feet, suggesting there is a possible relationship between growth pain and bio-mechanical faults.

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Childhood musculoskeletal pain is quite specific, usually occurring after a period of rapid growth. It may be aggravated by sporting activities or poor posture. It is generally seen between the ages of eleven and upwards until the growth phase has finished.

 

 Some of the most commonly seen complaints are:

• plantar fasciitis

• Sever’s disease

• Osgood-Schlatter’s disease

• patella femoral issues

• groin strains

• scoliosis

• swimmers shoulder

• postural dysfunctions.

 

Bio-mechanically there are often significant changes that our Physiotherapists here in Dee Why might pick up on. These might include but are not limited to:

• pronation of the feet

• tibial rotation

• squinting patellae

• valgus knees

• hyperextension of the knees

• tight musculature

• increased or flattened lumbar curve

• increased thoracic kyphosis

• hip and shoulder height differences

• protracted chin position

• poor lumbo-pelvic stability.

 

Growing pains are most prominent between the ages of three to five and eight to eleven. The most common complaints include limb pain that has started for no real reason. Sometimes pain may occur after exercise, but this is not always the case as children often experience just as much discomfort without any physical activity. In most cases, growing pain usually ceases by mid-adolescence.

 

There are some most serious conditions that could mimic the symptoms of growth pain, so it is important to have your child assessed to rule these out. 

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