Children's Aches and Pains

Types of aches and pains

Generally speaking, aches and pains can be categorised into three types:

• Growing pains
• Strains and sprains
• Teething pains.

These aches and teething pain vary in origin, as they are a mixture of growing up and accidental.

Causes of aches and pains

Growing pains

Growing pains are very common in children, but tend to stop by the age of 12. They are harmless but can be very painful and can come and go over months, sometimes years. They can be more common in active children and can come on after playing lots of sports, for example. They can also affect children with flexible joints. They tend to occur later in the day or at night (and go away by morning).

Sprain or strain

Children often injure themselves while playing. Bumps and bruises, cuts and grazes are all part of growing up. But strains or sprains may need a little more care.

Teething pain

As your child's teeth emerge, it can cause quite a bit of discomfort. It's a completely normal and necessary stage of their development. It usually happens at around the age of 6-9 months old. Baby can be a bit more unsettled, with excess drooling and desire to chew on things.

How to treat aches and pains

Growing pains

There are things you can do to comfort your child if they're complaining of aches and pains. On top of extra cuddles, try:

• A warm bath before bedtime
• A gentle leg massage
• A covered hot water bottle (or heat pack) on the affected area
• Children's ibuprofen or other painkillers suitable for children

Sprain or strain

These injuries happen when a muscle or ligament is over-stretched or over-used. It can easily happen when children are running around playing and clambering over things.

Here are a few things you can try to soothe your child's hurt:

• Protect the injured area from further injury with a support
• Encourage the child to rest and not run around
• Put some ice on the area to let it cool down: you can use pack of frozen food under a towel and apply to the affected area
• Children's ibuprofen or other painkillers suitable for children

Teething pain

Teething is necessary and uncomfortable, but it can be treated. Here are a few. Things you can try to take your child's mind off teething pain:

• Give them a teething ring to chew on
• Play with your child to distract them from the pain
• Gently rub their gums with a clean finger
• Children's ibuprofen or other painkillers suitable for children

Do not give your child aspirin if they're under the age of 16, unless it's prescribed by a doctor.

Why Ibuprofen can help

Ibuprofen relieves aches, pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also combats fever, and can be taken either as a capsule or suspension.

Why Nurofen For Children can help your child

Nurofen for Children 3 months to 9 years offers relief from aches and pains. It starts getting to work on fever in 15 minutes, and provides up to 8 hours pain and fever relief. For older children, try Nurofen for Children 200mg/5ml Oral Suspension for ages 7 to 12 years.

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe.

In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your GP or a Pharmacist. Contains Ibuprofen. Always read the label.