Kids’ growing pains have many causes, treatments

DEAR DR. GOTT: I just read with interest your column on childhood growing pains. When my children were young and complained that their arms and legs hurt, we came up with the idea of wrapping an elastic bandage loosely around their aches. We named it the “growing-pains bandage.” It seemed to bring them comfort, and they always felt better once it was on.

As a parent, it can be frustrating because you don’t know how to help. This was our solution, and it worked for our kids. Hopefully, it will help some of your readers as well.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column about growing pains. I also suffered from these as a young boy. My mother took me to many doctors and was always told that it was growing pains. During my teen years, I had many joints that clicked and made noise. I have been suffering from arthritis for many years now.

The boy in the letter needs to be tested for juvenile arthritis, as I now believe that is what I had.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in response to your column on childhood growing pains. I was told for years that my daughter had growing pains when in fact she had a genetic condition known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her pediatrician recognized her combination of symptoms and sent her to a geneticist. It is a condition that should be considered.

DEAR READERS: I have chosen to print all your letters together as they offer insight into the many causes and “treatments” of growing pains and childhood joint pain.

Most childhood growing pains are benign and are no cause for concern. However, if the pain is severe, persistent or lasts or returns over several weeks, further investigation is necessary.

Juvenile arthritis is a definite cause of joint pain in children. According to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org), it is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting nearly 300,000 children under the age of 18. There are also several types, the most common of which are the juvenile-rheumatoid- arthritis groups. Symptoms may include joint pain, fever, joint swelling and/or redness, rash and others depending on the specific variety.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an uncommon group of disorders that affects the connective tissues (joints, skin and blood-vessel walls). It is inherited, meaning it is passed from parent to child. Those affected have a 50/50 chance of passing the condition on to their offspring.

I urge all parents first to try home remedies such as heating pads, ice and over-the-counter children’s pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. I have even had parents write in to tell me that the soap-under-the-sheets has worked to alleviate leg and calf pain in children, some without their knowing the soap is even in their beds. If these conservative steps do not help, make an appointment with a pediatrician for examination, testing and treatment if necessary. If symptoms continue to be troublesome, perhaps a referral to an orthopedist or other specialist might be in order.

Anyone who would like further information about arthritis and pain in general can order one or both of my Health Reports “Managing Chronic Pain” and “Understanding Osteoarthritis.” Requests must include a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report and should be mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s). Readers may also wish to print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.