Greater Noida Nowadays, many parents are repeatedly hearing a common complaint from their children, “Mummy, press your feet… it is hurting”. Children who are busy in sports and activities throughout the day, complain of pain in their legs, back or shoulders at night. Often it is ignored considering it to be a normal “growing pain”, but experts believe that it can also be a sign of lack of nutrition in the bones.
Changing lifestyle and vitamin D deficiency
Senior Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Bharat Goswami says that in recent times, cases of back pain, shoulder pain and elbow pain have increased rapidly in children below 15 years of age. According to him, the main reasons for this are changing lifestyle, unbalanced diet and deficiency of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is very important for the growth and strength of bones. Due to its deficiency, bones can become weak, due to which the problem of pain starts at an early age.
Risk may increase if immunity is weak
According to Dr. Goswami, the immunity of children is naturally lower than that of adults. If infection occurs in the bones and timely treatment is not received, the situation can become serious. Therefore, parents should not take children’s frequent complaints of pain lightly. They advise that these conditions can be prevented not only through regular checkups, but also when the problem worsens.
Lack of sunlight is also a big reason
Dr. Kushagra Gupta of Fortis Hospital is also worried about this problem. He says that many children complain of leg pain at night, which is often a sign of calcium and vitamin D deficiency. The risk of Vitamin D deficiency is high in India. Due to brown skin tone, the body needs more sunlight to make enough vitamin D. Earlier children used to play in open fields, but now due to mobile phones, study pressure and indoor activities, the time spent in the sun has reduced. Afternoon sunlight is considered the main source of Vitamin D.
A balanced diet is important
Experts believe that not only sunlight but also a balanced diet is very important. Dairy products like milk, curd and cheese are major sources of calcium. According to Dr. Goswami, there is no direct alternative to calcium obtained from milk. To keep the bones of children strong, it is necessary to consume milk and nutritious food regularly.
If adequate nutrition is not available from diet and sunlight, then vitamin D and calcium supplements can be given with the advice of a doctor. However, experts emphasize that self-medication should be avoided.
When should parents be alert?
If the child complains of pain repeatedly, gets tired quickly or the pain increases at night, then it should not be considered normal and avoided. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment not only provides relief from the current pain, but also prevents serious bone related problems in the future.
Leg pain at night may seem like a minor complaint, but it can also be a major warning sign related to children’s bones. With awareness, balanced diet, adequate sunlight and regular doctor consultation, children can be given a healthy and strong future.
