Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not known. However certain factors trigger the pain. Overworking, physical activity of the lower leg muscles like jumping, running or playing is one of the causes that trigger pain in the lower extremity. Emotional disturbances and poor postures are also some of the contributing factors.
Clinical presentation:
The complaints are usually mild and do not pose any complication. Bilateral affection in most of the cases is seen. The patient presents with complaint of pain in the lower leg. The calf, thighs are more commonly affected. The pain is dull aching in nature. It is aggravated at night and in the evening and is ameliorated by rest or in the morning. The duration of pain is short lived. The complaints are either seen daily at night or it can come up occasionally.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the orthopedic. Usually no investigations are required in cases of growing pains. X ray of the leg, MRI and CT scan can be advised to rule out other causes.
Treatment:
Rest, stretching exercises and flexibility exercises are the simple measures that can resolve the complaints of growing pains. No medical intervention is needed in such cases. Massaging the extremities has also found to be effective.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
