Understanding and Easing Growing Pains
Growing pains – we’ve all heard of them. If you think back to childhood or recall stories from parents, these night-time leg aches are a familiar concept.¹ª But what are they, really?
Growing pains usually show up between the ages of three and 12.¹ª Kids complain of aches or pains, mostly in their legs, occurring at nighttime.¹ While there are many theories behind what causes growing pains the exact cause remains a mystery.¹
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Growing Pains?
Kids experiencing growing pains often feel discomfort in their thighs, calves, shins, or the area behind their knees.²ª While it’s less common, some children might also feel pain in their arms.²
It’s worth noting that growing pains can come and go — they might last for some time, but they aren’t a daily occurrence.²
Managing Growing Pains: Tips for Parents
If your child is dealing with growing pains, here’s some good news: they’re temporary and won’t affect your child’s growth.³ª Until they pass, you can help ease your child’s discomfort in several ways:
Massage: A gentle rub can alleviate the pain.³
Warmth: Use a heating pad to soothe aching areas.³
Medication: Consider over-the counter pain medications specifically for children.³
Remember, it’s essential not to let the pain limit your child’s daytime activities. Avoiding activity won’t prevent future episodes and might even intensify the pain.³
Panado®: A Helping Hand
While growing pains can be distressing, there are ways to manage your child’s pain.
Panado® paediatric range of products includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry,⁴ Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free,⁵ Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint ⁵ ml Sachets and Panado® Infant Drops.⁶
Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe.
Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight.
Parents trust⁸ Panado® for the power to fight their little one’s pain and provide fast⁹ relief when needed most.
Panado® products are available at Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers, including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies.
For more information, visit visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.
References:
1. Goodyear-Smith F, Arroll B. Growing pains. BMJ. 2006 Sep 2;333(7566):456-7. doi: 10.1136/bmj.38950.463877.80. PMID: 16946319; PMCID: PMC1557982. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1557982/. Last accessed August 2023.
2. Kids Health. Growing pains. Available from : https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growing-pains.html. Last accessed August 2023.
3. Hospital for Special Surgery. Growing pains. Available from : https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_growing-pains.asp. Last accessed August 2023.
4. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry (Syrup). Approved package insert, March 2002.
5. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free / Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010.
6. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990.
7. Circana, MT, Oct 2024 MAT.
8. Wilcock A, Twycross R. Therapeutic reviews: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 2013;46(5):747-755
For full prescribing information refer to the Professional Information approved by the medicine’s regulatory authority. Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No.: 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK / 232625 www.adcock.com. 2023080710304715. February 2024.
