Growing Pains

Q: I am 15 years old and active in many sports. I lift weights two times per week. The day after I work out, not only do my muscles hurt, but so do my bones. Is this normal, or am I too young to do serious weight training? Why does this happen and what can I do about it?

C.B.
Hellertown, PA

A: It is not unusual for a teenaged weight trainer to experience bone pain. When you are still growing, the muscle and tendon sheaths are not fully developed where they attach to the bone. Excessive strain can cause bone pain and tendon inflammation.

The pain may be worse during growth spurts, when muscles and tendons are stretching to fit the lengthening bones. The additional stress from your exercise may be counterproductive.

It is not a good idea to continue straining the tendon-bone junction to the extent of causing bone pain. You may be selling yourself up for some chronic tendinitis. Take two or three days off, or exercise very lightly, if you think you might be going through a growth spurt.

We would recommend you back off on the amount of weight you lift, and do more repetitions. Rest at least one day between sessions, and do a warm-up exercise, such as stationary cycling or brisk walking, followed by a stretching session, before and after you work out. Think, "train, don't strain." Any pain that doesn't go away after a day or two of rest, or a good warm-up, is something that needs attention.

Keep up the good work, and take your time getting stronger while you are growing so you don't end up injured. Don't push yourself through growing pains, they should go away as your body matures.

About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and a UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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