Читать книгу The Care and Keeping of You 2 - Cara Natterson - Страница 17

Taller Than the Boys

Have you ever wondered why many sixth-grade girls are

taller than the boys in their class? It’s because lots of the

girls have been in their growth spurts for a year or two,

and most of the boys have a few years to go. Boys tend

to start their growth spurts around age 11 or 12, and they

usually grow fastest when they are about 13 or even older.

Ouch!

When you are growing so tall so fast, it might feel as if it

hurts, which is where the term growing pains comes from. Especially if you play sports, a common spot for growing pains is on the upper shinbone just below the kneecap. To find this spot, sit in a chair and put three straight fingers below your kneecap. A growing pain is typically right where the third finger rests. This spot hurts because the tendon attaching the kneecap to the shinbone actually tugs on the bone, causing tenderness and sometimes even a visible bump. Doctors call this bump Osgood Schlatter.

You also might feel growing pains in your calves, or the

backs of your lower legs. Here the muscles may feel pulled

or cramped or may have a burning sensation. The pain can

be felt anywhere along the lower leg, and sometimes even

behind the knee.

For any growing pains, rubbing the area can help. So can

ice or heat (get an adult’s help when using heat). If you

still hurt, talk to your doctor about whether to use pain

medicine. After all, you don’t want to miss out on sports

and activities you enjoy just because you’re growing!

If your pain involves more

than just aches and cramps,

such as joint swelling, a

rash, a fever, or weakness,

it’s time to see the doctor.