Calf stretch
Your child puts both hands on a wall, with one leg behind, the knee straight and the heel down, then leans gently towards the wall.
- Hold 20 seconds
- 3 each side
Should feel: A stretch in the calf Should not feel: Pain — ease off
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Growing pains — help for your child's legs at night
Bone & joint disease · Growing pains, for parents
How to use this sheet. These pains are harmless; massage and warmth at night help your child. They usually settle as your child grows. Do the leg stretches with your child every evening, gently and never into pain. When the legs ache at night, rub them gently with your hands and put a warm, not hot, cloth on them. Do not take your child to a masseur or a bone-setter for hard oil massage, and do not let anyone pull or crack the legs.
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Hamstring stretch
Your child puts one heel on a low step, keeps the knee straight and leans forward from the hips. Stand close by to help with balance.
- Hold 20 seconds
- 3 each side
Should feel: A stretch behind the thigh Should not feel: Pain — ease off
Front of thigh stretch
Your child holds a chair for balance, bends one knee and holds the ankle behind, keeping the knees together. Help a younger child hold the foot.
- Hold 20 seconds
- 3 each side
Should feel: A stretch at the front of the thigh Should not feel: Pain in the knee
Stop and telephone us if
- Pain during the day, or pain still there in the morning
- Your child limps, or will not stand or walk on the leg
- Pain in one leg only, or always in the same one spot
- Swelling, or a spot on a bone or joint that hurts when touched
- Fever, or your child seems unwell
- Your child is losing weight
Ready when you are.
Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.