Growth spurt
Is it normal for a child to actually feel discomfort when he’s going through a growth spurt? Oscar has been stiffening his body while he sleeps, clenching his fists at his thighs, with his arms straight as can be, and groaning. He’s also been signing that he’s hurt, although I cannot for the life of me figure out what is huring him. He’s grown at least an inch in a very short amount of time (he’s 34″ tall – amazing), so he’s definitely going through a growth spurt. I think it’s all related, but his ped doesn’t think so, although she doesn’t have any idea what could be the cause of the night-time frustration. Any suggestions?
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Etta’s Hats
Where I’ve Been
I don’t know, but I think I have read that they can be in pain. I do know to not always listen to the ped. Must be like the first one I took Aiden to who told me teething doesn’t bother babies at all. whatever.
Totally normal. Totally. Interestingly enough, ask him “where” it hurts, and see where he points to…if you don’t know the sign for where, it is a very easy one to both teach and learn—use your pointer finger and wag it back and forth, like you are scolding someone, all the while saying “Where”…every time Katie has a growth spurt (twice so far) not only does she hurt, she EATS like there is no tomorrow.
I think it’s totally normal to feel pain during a particularly big growth spurt. Strange your ped says it’s not related. Obviously, my mail-order medical degree had different textbooks than her fancy medical school. I just remember as a teenager going thru a growth spurt and my shins would hurt. My 6 year old nephew says his “bones” hurt sometimes and it’s often right as he’s shooting up in size. He also eats tons and sleeps hard – but wakes up several time during the night complaining of pain.
Please do not be alarmed, but the stiffening body, hyperextended arms and fists can be signs of nocturnal seizures. If he were in pain, he would wake up and cry or complain at any age. Emitting sounds or facial movements such as groaning or lip-smacking are not uncommon either, but from what I’ve been told seizures appear painful, but are usually not. I have seen all of these symptoms in my son and he was diagnosed with epilepsy (partial complex seizures)–he does not have daytime seizures. I recommend you consult with a pediatric neurologist (not a pediatrician), preferably one affiliated with a hospital with a strong pediatric epilepsy unit. This is treatable; my son takes medication and they are no longer a significant problem. I didn’t write this to upset you but because I’m concerned, based on my own experience. Hopefully it’s not seizures, but you might want to rule that out.
All our kids had growing pains and they mainly hurt them at night.
They really bothered them. Try liquid Advil for kids before he goes to sleep.