Question
A father describes his seven-year-old son who frequently experiences pain in the knees and the front side of the lower legs. There is no redness, swelling, itching, or lumps. The pain disappears over time but recurs soon after.
Answer
Growth pains are a common issue in children during their rapid growth phase. This occurs because the bones grow faster than the surrounding muscles and soft tissues, causing a pulling pain. Additionally, active and lively children produce a large amount of acidic metabolic products like lactic acid through intense exercise, which can lead to muscle soreness. To alleviate these symptoms, children can be given vitamin C, and if there is a zinc deficiency, appropriate zinc supplementation may also be helpful.