Growing pains are a real and common experience for many children. While the name suggests a direct link to physical growth, these aches are not actually caused by bones lengthening. They describe a recognized phenomenon of recurring leg pain in healthy children.
The Nature of Growing Pains
Growing pains manifest as aching or cramping sensations in a child’s legs. They frequently occur in the calves, shins, thighs, or behind the knees. These pains are usually felt on both sides of the body, though sometimes they might shift from one leg to the other.
The discomfort commonly appears in the late afternoon or evening and can be severe enough to wake a child from sleep during the night. Despite their intensity, the pain typically resolves by morning, allowing the child to resume normal activities without discomfort. Growing pains are intermittent, affecting children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. While the exact cause remains unknown, theories suggest muscle fatigue from increased physical activity may play a role.
When to Be Concerned
While growing pains are generally harmless, it is important to distinguish them from other, more serious conditions. Certain symptoms, often called “red flags,” indicate that a child’s pain is not growing pains and warrants medical evaluation. For instance, pain that is persistent, lasting all day, or that affects only one leg or joint, should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Additional signs of concern include pain associated with a limp, swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area. A fever, rash, joint stiffness, or pain that follows an injury also suggest a need for medical attention. These symptoms can point to underlying issues such as injury, infection, inflammatory conditions like arthritis, or other medical problems requiring specific diagnosis and treatment.
Comfort and Care
Managing growing pains at home involves providing comfort and reassurance. Gently massaging affected muscles can alleviate discomfort. Applying a warm compress or a heating pad to the painful area also provides relief.
Gentle stretching exercises benefit some children. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be administered as directed to manage more severe pain episodes. Reassure the child that growing pains are a common, temporary condition they will eventually outgrow, usually by early adolescence.