Leggs Hurting

My two sons had the same problem when they were growing up. we called them growing pains and gave them magnesium phosphate a homeopathic remedy. We also would rub the legs. Sometimes holding and rocking them to get them back to sleep. They do become less sever. It will pass

Hi D.. When I was pregnant w/ my twins, I had such bad leg cramps. Even now 2 years later it still bothers me sometimes at night. I stretch before bed and the best thing that I have found is a homeopathic remedy called Magnesium Phosphate (cell salt). I don't konw how familiar you are w/ homeopathics but they are totally safe for everyone in your family, even babies. We have been using homeopathics with our twins ever since they were infants. They usually come in little pellets that dissolve almost instantly in your mouth. You can get these remedies at Whole Foods or any health food store. Here is some information on what a "cell salt" is and also what Magnesium Phosphate is good for. In addition to the leg cramping, I use the Mag Phos for menstral cramping and it works well for that too. Your daughter will love the taste of the pellets. They are sweet.

Cell Salts are a group of homeopathic remedies made from minerals.
2 words: Cell - meaning used on the cellular level and Salts - meaning
mineral or minerals salts. Made as a homeopathic remedy generally 6X potency.

Magnesium Phos is homeopathic Magnesium phosphate. Magnesium Phos is the best remedy for muscle spasms-back, leg, abdomen or calf. Use in the evening for a peaceful night sleep without charley horses. Relax tight back muscles. Supports intestinal health and beneficial for abdominal spasms and intestinal problems such as colitis or constipation. Magnesium Phos calms agitated nerves for pain relief of headache, writer’s cramp, sciatica, neuralgia. Use before and after dental work to calm tooth pain. Spasmodic is a key symptom and Magnesium Phos calms spasmodic coughs, hiccups, menstrual cramps. Magnesium helps with abdominal pains improved by eating.
Magnesium Phos is from magnesium, an important mineral that is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. Homeopathic Magnesium Phos goes quickly into the system for prompt relief. Studies have shown that most adults are deficient in the mineral magnesium. Refined foods, pollution, non-absorption and insufficient ability of the body to utilize magnesium in the body are some of the causes. It is especially recommended that diabetics, individuals with heart disease and those with high blood pressure have their magnesium levels checked.

I'm so sorry to hear about this. My dd is 6 and I keep waiting for the leg pain for her, but we have been lucky. Call the pediatrition (sp), but I think you can give her tylenol etc. to get rid of the pain or keep it to a minimum. My other question is "does she get vitamins?" Some with calcium? As a little girl I remember the leg pain and I'm 40 (really?). I can't believe it myself. The screaming and waking from the pain is not normal. In my day we didn't have anyone to ask. Let the doctor know that this is way NOT NORMAL for your child and you are worried that she will develope a sleep problem or other issues. Another thing, see if you can find something healthy/herbal for her. That way you know it will not hurt her. Sometimes the people at the nature stores are great for these types of questions. I hope this helps and good luck.

To avoid giving medicine, try heat with either a very warm bath before bed or a heating pad. When I was little either they didn't have children's tylenol or my mom didn't give it to me but the heating pad worked wonders. My daughters both have these pains at night from time to time and either I use the heating pad or something called "The Bucky" which is a soft bag with buckwheat kernels in it. You heat it in the microwave and it stays warm for about a half an hour and then you don't have all the electricity issues. Another issue to explore is that Vitamin D deficiency (very common in the NW) can cause bone pain.

You've already received some great advice. Stretching, warm baths, massage, vitamins etc. All great. Also try milk and bananas as an evening snack. The calcium and potassium is reported to work. I got terrible leg cramps off and on up through high school. Stretching, warm massage and the bananas really helped. Good Luck.

Hi D.- My almost 6 year old cries out sometimes in the middle of the night for the same reasons. I use icy hot, the kind on a stick that looks like deodorant. She can tell its working by the tingle. This alleviates having to orally medicate all of the time. I also encourage hydration (not right before bed of course) to help. Help this works!

One of the things we tried with my son that was successful was, using an herbal wrap that you heat in the microwave or hot water bottle maybe a blanket from the dyer Just something warm that will make it less painful with heat and give comfort at the same time. My boys both use the herbal wrap for headaches, sideaches, just about anything that hurts.

D.,
Massage and a dose of liquid Calcium will do wonders. Teach her how to stretch out her leg muscles. One great stretch is to have her stand on a low stool, hold onto the counter or table and drop her heals lower than the surface she is standing on. This will stretch out those calf muscles that are the ones that tend to get tight when growing.
My experience? My youngest son has mild cerebral palsey and this helps greatly!
Good luck!
N.
(My spelling isn't very good until I've had coffee!)

Calcium and vitamins are key
Stretching
Massage
And a nice hot bath or use the microwave heating pad that is made out of buck wheat (it holds moisture and does not draw moisture out of the bones like an electric pad can)

My niece had these quite bad at this age and my sister found that a chiropractor actually helped a lot! It might be good to talk to the doctor and see what they recommend.