I have a cousin on my mother's side who is about my age. He has a similar build to me, and we look so much alike that people cannot tell us apart from behind. We are similar in a lot of ways, but he had two things when we were teenagers that I never had: growing pains and shin splints.
I remember he came to visit one summer. We were in a grocery store, and he suddenly went into a fit of cramping and pain. It turned out to be growing pains, and he got them really badly. It was the first time I had ever seen anyone do that. I thought he was going to die. This happened two or three times a day for the first few days he was with us.
Why the Common Explanation Falls Short
If you Google shin splints and growing pains, it will tell you they are caused by hard exercise and fast growth. We need to examine that theory more carefully, though, because the evidence just does not accurately support this explanation. Lots of growing kids who play hard and run all over the place never get them. My kids, who are all taller than average, have no idea what growing pains or shin splints feel like, and they are never inactive. But they have friends, some who are active and some who are not, that have terrible growing pains and shin splints. There is another answer.
A Tale of Two Diets
If you look at the foods my cousin and I normally consumed, you will see two very different eating habits. He often ate a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. I, on the other hand, had eggs, potatoes, meat, and a variety of other things. I also had to take calcium and mineral supplements, along with a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses every morning. My calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and trace mineral intake was massively higher than his.
When he arrived at our house, he started eating like we did. He also voluntarily took the supplements and blackstrap molasses. After a few days, his growing pains and shin splints went away, and they did not return until months after he went home.
My 17-year-old son, who is six foot three, has been playing baseball since he was 9. Several of the kids on his team suffer from growing pains, but one in particular suffers terribly. The kid is six foot six and is crippled by them when they hit. I talked with his dad, but he told me, "Oh, I had growing pains when I was a kid. They are genetic, and you cannot do anything about them." It is too bad I am not his doctor. His son would be taking large doses of biological calcium with minerals every day, and he would never have growing pains again. His son's bones and heart would be stronger too, and would be healthier for the rest of his life.
The Role of Minerals in Growing Bodies
The foundation of the body should be strong but flexible. Minerals are the substance of that strength and flexibility. While calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and boron are the minerals that make bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons hard to break, copper, magnesium, silicon, and manganese contribute to their elasticity and flexibility. Without minerals, bones and muscles struggle to maintain strong bonds, and they are prone to hyperextension and even breaking. When those bones and muscles are growing and they do not have the minerals they need, it can cause newly formed tissue strands and nerves to hyperextend or even break before they are mature. This is where all the pain comes from, and the instinct to fold when the pain hits.
Why Vitamin D Matters
Calcium and minerals do most of the work here, but there are other elements that also help. The body cannot properly use calcium without adequate vitamin D. Without it, calcium passes through the body unused, no matter how much is consumed. Vitamin D acts like a key, allowing calcium to be absorbed into the bloodstream and directed into bones and tissues where it belongs. Children who spend less time in the sun, or who eat highly processed diets, are often lacking in this critical nutrient, which may leave their bones under-supported during rapid growth phases. If your child does not spend time in the sun regularly, get them some Vitamin D supplements.
Magnesium: The Relaxer
Magnesium is a major factor for bone and muscle health. While calcium helps muscles contract, magnesium helps them relax. Without enough magnesium, muscles can remain in a semi-contracted, tense state. Over time, this tension places additional strain on the bones and connective tissues, especially in the lower legs where impact from walking and running is constant. This can contribute directly to the tightness, soreness, and sharp pain commonly associated with shin splints.
Potassium and Cramping
Potassium also plays a key role in preventing these issues. It helps regulate fluid balance inside and outside of cells, and supports proper nerve signaling. When potassium levels are low, muscles fatigue more quickly and are more prone to cramping. This is especially important for active kids and athletes who lose electrolytes through sweat and may not be replenishing them properly. The best source of potassium is white potatoes, but you must eat the skins.
Vitamin C, B-Vitamins, and Connective Tissue
Vitamin C and B-Vitamins are also important pieces of the puzzle. Vitamin C is required for collagen production. Collagen is what gives structure and strength to tendons, ligaments, and the connective tissues that attach muscle to bone. In conditions like shin splints, where these tissues are repeatedly stressed, strong collagen support can make the difference between resilience and breakdown. B-Vitamins are essential for nerve development. If the nerves develop to maturity without proper B-Vitamin support, the muscles will be weak and may twitch uncontrollably, and nerve-related diseases are likely later on.
Do Not Forget Hydration
Hydration should not be overlooked either. Muscles and connective tissues rely on proper hydration to remain flexible and function correctly. Even mild dehydration can increase the likelihood of cramping and reduce the body's ability to deliver nutrients where they are needed most.
Figuring Out What Your Child Needs
Now that you know why the body gets growing pains and shin splints, and what it needs to prevent them, let's talk about how to determine your child's specific needs. If your child eats lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, but still has growing pains or shin splints, he or she probably does not need additional Vitamin C or B-Vitamins. This child will be successful by just taking calcium and minerals. If, on the other hand, your child rarely eats fresh fruit and vegetables but loves pizza, burgers, soda pop, and sweets, they are going to need both minerals and vitamins. This child will see better results with large doses of Children's Multiple from Better World Botanicals, which contains the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
The Bigger Picture
When you step back and look at the full picture, it becomes clear that growing pains and shin splints are not simply the result of activity or genetics. They are often a sign that the body is being asked to grow and perform without the raw materials it needs to do so properly. Give the body those materials (minerals, vitamins, and proper hydration) and it can build strong, flexible, resilient tissue that can handle both growth and movement without breaking down.
If your child suffers from either one of these conditions, connect with one of our trusted associates or call us at 740-492-1880. You can also find us online at www.betterworldbotanicals.com.
