Everyone experiences growing pains as a child. America's parents told America's children that these pains were a symptomatic of growing in rapid bursts. It turns out that America's parents were wrong.
Rheumatologists, the guardians of our joints, have declared that growing pains have nothing to do with growing. These pains, however, have a lot to do with growing up.
"Growing Pains" are actually caused by brittle bones, physical activity and the overuse of muscles.
"When I have a kid," noted a rogue Rheumatologist. "I will tell him that his pains are caused by rapid growth. I will also tell him that Santa Claus is real. I do not wish to steal the magic from my little David's life. His hair will be sandy blonde, and he will love trains."
Now that I think about growing pains as an adult, and keep in mind that I have only a layman's understanding of science and anatomy, I can't believe I fell for it.
Remember that time when Galileo discovered objects fell at the same rate? I bet that seemed so obvious to him.
I am just like Galileo without all the success and achievement. Also, I didn't discover anything, and I don't have a sweet beard.
On the bright side, I don't have one of those giant collars. Those things look goofy. No wonder he was looking up at the sky. That collar probably kept him out of Geology.
It looks like the veterinarian put a cone on him so he'd stop biting at his stitches. His head looks like the meat in a collar sandwich.
Growing pains are usually harmless. They are cramps and muscle pains, but sometimes they can be Restless Leg Syndrome.
If the pain seems serious, the child might want to see a Rheumatologist, Orthopedist or a Pediatrician. A Neurologist can treat those Restless Legs.
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