Question
Why do children feel leg pain before bedtime, even if they have a good diet and consume enough meat? What kind of assistance do they need, especially in terms of calcium deficiency? If calcium supplementation is needed, which type should be supplemented?
Answer
Children under 2 years old may experience leg pain during their growth phase due to the rapid growth of bones while the growth rates of nerves, tendons, and muscles are slower, leading to traction pain. Additionally, excessive activity or overexertion can also cause muscle soreness and lactic acid accumulation. Although calcium deficiency could be a cause, supplementing calcium may help resolve the issue. It is recommended to give children oral calcium gluconate and ensure adequate vitamin C intake. Applying a warm compress with a hot water bottle at night can be helpful, and symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication can be used if necessary. This will not affect the child’s normal growth and development. However, it is important to first confirm whether it could be a symptom of other diseases such as rheumatism or synovitis.