Growing pains are a common experience for children, characterized by discomfort in their legs. Despite their name, these pains are not caused by growth itself. They are a benign and temporary condition, typically resolving on their own. While the exact cause remains unknown, they are a frequent reason for children to experience musculoskeletal pain.
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains typically affect children between 3 and 12 years old, though some may experience them into early adolescence. The pain is usually felt in both legs, often in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. It is described as an aching, throbbing, or cramping sensation in the muscles rather than in the joints. These episodes frequently occur in the late afternoon, evening, or at night, sometimes even waking a child from sleep.
A distinguishing feature of growing pains is the absence of physical signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, or limping. Children usually appear healthy and active during the day, with no pain or limitation in their activities. The pain often comes and goes, and it typically resolves by morning. It is reassuring for parents to know that growing pains are not linked to serious underlying conditions or long-term joint damage.
When to Consult a Doctor
Growing pains are considered a “diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning a doctor will rule out other more serious conditions before confirming them. This diagnostic process usually begins with a thorough medical history and a physical examination to assess the child’s symptoms and overall health, including the pain’s location, timing, duration, and any alleviating factors.
Certain signs and symptoms warrant a medical consultation to ensure there isn’t another cause for the pain. These include pain in only one leg, pain that persists into the morning, limping, swelling, redness, fever, rash, joint pain, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss. If such concerning symptoms are present, a doctor might order additional tests, such as blood tests or X-rays, to exclude other conditions. In cases of true growing pains, these tests typically show normal results.
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) is used to code diagnoses and symptoms in medical practice. Growing pains do not have a specific, dedicated ICD-10 code because they are not a distinct disease entity but rather a collection of symptoms. Instead, healthcare providers may use codes that reflect the symptoms, such as R29.898 for “Other specified symptoms and signs involving the musculoskeletal system,” which includes “Growing pains, children” as an indexed term. This code signifies that other potential causes have been evaluated and excluded, and the pain is attributed to this benign syndrome.
Comfort Measures for Growing Pains
When a child experiences growing pains, several comfort measures can be implemented at home to alleviate discomfort. Gently massaging the affected muscles often provides relief. Many children find the soothing touch comforting and respond well to gentle rubbing.
Applying heat to the painful area can also be beneficial. A warm bath before bedtime or using a heating pad on a low setting can help relax sore muscles. It is important to remove the heating pad once the child falls asleep to prevent burns. Stretching exercises for the leg muscles during the day might help prevent pain at night, and a doctor can advise on appropriate stretches.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage the pain and allow the child to rest. Always follow dosage guidelines on the packaging or as advised by a healthcare professional. Offering reassurance and comfort to the child during an episode is also helpful, as emotional support can contribute to their sense of well-being.