Growing pains is a common problem which is suffered by kids between the age to four to six years and it usually eases away by 14 to 15 years of age. It is more common in girls than in boys. The real cause of the pain is unknown. But is a common belief that due to spurt in growth in this age the pain occurs.

The main cause of growth pains is the growth of the bones, it is mainly felt on both the knees and sometimes on shoulders. If the child is not active this may result in growth pains. Usually the pain occurs in the muscles of the legs and calves and behind the knees.

There is no inflammation due to the growth pain. The pain may sometimes become too much leading to distress in the child. Growth pain occurs due to rapid growth, flat feet, obese children, restless leg syndrome and emotional disturbances. There is no definite remedy to growth pain.

It usually starts at night or after long exercises. What you can do to reduce the pain is to have leg massages or even warm baths in the evenings. You can also use hot water bottles which reduces the pain. Sometimes paraistamol eases away the pain for a very good nights sleep.

Nowadays many people also try out things like alternative medicines which include acupuncture as well as something called, music therapy. The best thing to do is to divert the mind of your child away from the pain. Talk to your child, take him or her out, watch a movie, do anything but do not talk about the pain.

You also need to keep in mind that you need to take care of the nutrition of a growing child in order to reduce growth pain. A child should get enough of iron, calcium and potassium. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is very essential. In order to increase the bone strength of a growing child, your diet should be filled with calcium as well as vitamin D.

Homemade carrot juice is also a good source of calcium. Calcium and magnesium rich plants like dry leafy vegetables as well as whole grains also help to reduce the growth pains. Cold water fish like salmon or daily fish oil supplements are a very good source of Omega 3 fatty acid.