Today at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, I had a lively conversation with a young boy and his mom. The boy, who was about 11 years old, looked a little confused as he asked, “Why are my legs and arms hurting all the time? I’m also growing out of my clothes so fast! Is that normal?”

I smiled, understanding what he was going through. “That’s totally normal! What you’re experiencing are growth spurts, a common part of puberty. During this time, your body starts growing quickly—often faster than it has before. It’s why your clothes don’t seem to fit for long, and why you might feel aches in your legs and arms. This is your body stretching and growing!”

His mom nodded, clearly relieved that this was a normal part of growing up. “So, how long do these growth spurts last? It seems like he’s always needing new shoes or pants!”

“Growth spurts can come and go throughout puberty,” I explained. “For boys, growth spurts usually happen between the ages of 10 and 16, and for girls, they typically start earlier, between 8 and 13. These spurts often last for several months at a time, and your body might grow in different areas at different times. For example, your legs might grow first, followed by your torso.”

The boy looked fascinated but also a bit concerned. “Is it normal for my body to feel sore when I’m growing?”

“Yes, it’s completely normal,” I reassured him. “A lot of kids experience something called ‘growing pains’ during growth spurts. This is especially common in your legs. The good news is that the pain isn’t harmful—it’s just a sign that your muscles and bones are stretching as your body grows. You can relieve some of the discomfort by stretching, staying active, and making sure you get plenty of sleep.”

His mom asked, “Is there anything I can give him for the pain if it gets worse?”

“Absolutely,” I said. “If the pain is really bothering him, you can give him an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but be sure to follow the dosage instructions based on his age and weight. Also, using a warm compress on sore muscles can help relax them, and making sure he’s getting enough calcium and vitamin D will support his growing bones.”

We also talked about the importance of nutrition during puberty. “During growth spurts, your body needs extra fuel to keep up with the changes,” I said. “Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats can help support your growth. Foods like lean meats, eggs, dairy, and green leafy vegetables are great for building strong muscles and bones.”

The boy asked, “How tall will I get? Is there a way to know?”

I smiled and said, “There’s no exact way to know, but your final height is usually influenced by genetics. If your parents are tall, there’s a good chance you’ll be tall too. Most kids will stop growing a few years after puberty ends, so you’ll just have to wait and see!”

Before they left, I reminded them, “And don’t forget, if you need any pain relief or vitamins to support your growth, we offer free delivery at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy. We’re also working on developing a hazardous compounding room, so in the future, we’ll be able to offer custom-compounded treatments for specific health needs.”

The boy smiled, clearly feeling better about what he was experiencing. “Thanks for explaining everything! I guess growing is a little less scary now.”

It’s always a pleasure to help kids and parents navigate the sometimes confusing changes of puberty, especially when it comes to something as exciting—and occasionally uncomfortable—as growth spurts.

Until tomorrow,
Rania – Your Friendly Pharmacist at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

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