Leg Cramp Relief for Children

Children experience leg cramps more often than adults do, especially since they are constantly growing and changing on an almost daily basis. Children may have a more difficult time coping with leg cramp, and they are also less able to describe their pain accurately the way an adult can. Unfortunately, one of the myths that children hear often is “It’s a growing pain.” Growing pains do not exist and should never be felt. Any pain that a child feels could be something, or it could be nothing.

Statistically speaking, many children feel leg cramps at night, and don’t know what to do to find relief for leg cramping. It can be scary and frightening to wake up to your young child screaming in agony over their leg feeling such excruciating pain. In fact, the leg cramps that children experience are usually more painful than those that adults may feel.

Reasons for Leg Cramps in Children

Children can experience leg cramps for a number of reasons. As they develop they play sports more, run more, and simply do more on a regular basis. This activity can lead to dehydration and lack of proper nutrients, which will cause leg cramps during the night after a long day of play.

Leg cramps can also be caused by a hereditary congenital problem called flat feet. Many children have flat feet but are not properly diagnosed. This can be easily remedied by wearing proper shoes and being careful when walking or playing outside. If this goes undiagnosed, extremely painful cramping can occur and worsen over time. This can lead to a deformity as an adult as well, and make it so that the child isn’t able to play sports.

How to Help Your Child Understand Leg Cramps

If your child is experiencing leg cramps often, explain to him or her that they are normal and happen to everyone. They will likely be afraid at first, but if you describe why they occur, it helps them understand their body better. Be sure to teach them about the importance of eating healthy and stretching as well.

Leg Cramp Relief For Children

Children cannot take the strong medicines that adults can take, so the best treatment is to use Tiger Balm or Icy Hot to cool the muscles, as well as children’s Tylenol or a pain reliever designed just for children.