Natural Remedies for Growing Pains

The condition known as ‘growing pains’ refers to soreness in a child’s legs. It causes throbbing or discomfort and generally occurs at night. In some instances, ‘growing pains’ cause a child to wake up from sleep.

Some people have suggested that ‘growing pains’ are related to growth spurts as the child develops; however, there is no firm evidence of this, and so, no known cause. ‘Growing pains’ is common in preschool and school-aged children and occurs more frequently in girls than boys. Additionally, children who run, climb, or jump during the day may be more susceptible than less active children.

For parents whose children who are experiencing ‘growing pains,’ advice from pediatricians sometimes includes medication. However, there are also many natural remedies that are more preferred.

Some of the most common natural remedies that may help you manage your child’s ‘growing pains’ include:

• Electrolytes: Electrolytes help kids keep their mineral levels from depleting – something that otherwise may cause them to experience ‘growing pains.’
• Heat: A warm bath or compress helps reduce muscle sensitivity. Both options can be used in combination with essential oils to help relax the affected muscles.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is a key nutrient in the growth and development of bones. With magnesium supplementation via Epsom salt baths, magnesium body butter, or liquid magnesium, discomfort from sensitive  muscles and ‘growing pains’ is relieved.
• Massage: A massage helps soothe tired, sensitive muscles. Plus, magnesium lotion with essential oils can be used during a massage to help correct a magnesium deficiency that may be linked to muscle cramps and ‘growing pains.’
• Vitamin D: A recent study indicates only 6% of kids who experienced ‘growing pains’ had a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Vitamin D absorbs the minerals necessary to build healthy bones, and supplementing a child’s diet with vitamin D may help alleviate ‘growing pains.’
• Bone Broth: Bone broth contains high levels of collagen, the primary structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. In one study of 112 kids with ‘growing pains,’ researchers found using bone meal in combination with vitamins A and D relieved ‘growing pains.’

• Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps transport magnesium into cells, and growing pains have been linked to vitamin B6 deficiencies in children. Incorporating vitamin B6-rich foods like cashews, hazelnuts, asparagus, yams, and broccoli into a kid’s diet may help overcome ‘growing pains.’ Pediatricians may also recommend vitamin B6 supplements.
• Dietary Changes: Food sensitivities related to gluten, aspartame, and other artificial substances sometimes play a role. In certain instances, removing these substances from a child’s diet minimizes ‘growing pains.’

The aforementioned natural remedies are strategies that parents can utilize to help remediate their children’s ‘growing pains’ on their own (self-care). However, a child’s pediatrician should be consulted if the leg sensitivity is:

• Ongoing
• Interferes with the child’s everyday activities
• Linked to an injury
• Associated with limping, rash, weakness, fatigue, redness, or other symptoms

Although there is no cure for ‘growing pains,’ bovine colostrum may help. Bovine colostrum contains a natural growth factor, which may help to increase cartilage and collagen production to help cushion the joints. It also contains other growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor, which may help contribute in the regeneration or bone and cartilage tissue.

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