growth that comes and goes

Overview

Growing pains are harmless aches or throbbing in the legs that come and go, usually at night. They are common in children and are not a sign of any serious disease. Despite the name, growing pains are not caused by growth itself.

Yes. Growing pains are one of the most common causes of leg pain in children. Many children between the ages of 3 and 12 experience them at some point.

Growing pains most often affect children aged 3 to 12 years, especially very active children. They are more common in girls than boys, but any child can have them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching, throbbing, or soreness in the legs, usually in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees
• Pain that comes and goes, often at night
• Pain that is mild to moderate and gets better by morning
• No limp, swelling, or redness in the painful area during the day

Symptoms in children

• Pain that occurs only in the evening or at night
• Your child may complain of 'hurt legs' but looks well and has no fever
• Children may be restless or fidgety in bed because of the discomfort
• Pain may be in both legs, changing from one leg to the other, or happening in different areas on different nights

Causes

Main causes

• Growing pains are not caused by any medical condition, and experts do not know exactly what causes them.
• They may be linked to a child's normal level of physical activity, like running or jumping during the day.
• Some children may have a lower pain threshold, meaning they feel discomfort more easily than others.
• There may be a family tendency, as growing pains often run in families.

Risk factors

• Being a child between the ages of 3 and 12
• Being very active in sports, running, or other physical play
• Having a family history of growing pains
• Having flexible joints (being 'double-jointed')

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child's pain seems severe, lasts into the daytime, or is making them limp
• If there is swelling, redness, or tenderness over a specific part of the leg
• If your child has a fever with leg pain
• If pain wakes your child repeatedly during the night or keeps them from sleeping

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are unsure whether your child's pain is due to growing pains
• If the pain happens regularly for more than a few weeks
• If you notice your child is favoring one leg or complaining of pain in the joints
• If your child is 12 years old or older and starts having new leg pains

Diagnosis

A doctor usually diagnoses growing pains by listening to your child's symptoms, asking about family history, and performing a physical exam. No special test can confirm growing pains, but the doctor may order blood tests or X-rays if another cause is suspected.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam to check for signs of tenderness, swelling, redness, or joint problems
• X-ray if the pain is in a specific joint or bone and seems more serious
• Blood tests if the doctor wants to rule out infection or other conditions

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your child's pain pattern, such as when it occurs, how long it lasts, and what makes it better. They will likely reassure you that growing pains do not require medical treatment. If the doctor decides more tests are needed, they will go over the reason and next steps with you.

Treatment

Growing pains do not need medical treatment and are not dangerous. The goal is simply to ease your child's discomfort and help them sleep. At-home comfort measures are usually enough.

Self-care at home

• Gently massage your child's legs with warm hands or a lotion.
• Give a warm bath or use a warm (not hot) compress on the legs before bedtime.
• Stretch the leg muscles gently during the day, especially before physical activity.
• Encourage your child to rest if they feel achy, but allow normal play during the day.
• Offer comfort and reassurance that the pain is not dangerous and will go away.

Medical treatments

If your child is uncomfortable and comfort measures are not enough, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a temporary, child-appropriate pain reliever. Always use medicines exactly as directed and only with professional guidance.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is never needed for growing pains.

Living with this condition

Growing pains come and go, and you may not be able to prevent them. But you can help your child feel better when they happen. Keep a calm and matter-of-fact attitude, and let your child know that this is a normal part of childhood.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a regular bedtime routine that includes a short, gentle leg massage.
• Encourage your child to stay active during the day, but give them plenty of opportunities to rest when they feel tired.
• Make sure your child wears comfortable, well-fitting shoes for play and sports.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for growing pains. A balanced diet with plenty of fluids is always healthy for children. Regular physical activity is good, but be sure your child has time to cool down and stretch after exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Growing pains can be disruptive at bedtime, and both you and your child may feel frustrated or anxious. It can help to remember that growing pains are temporary and harmless. Reassuring your child can also reduce their worry and help them relax.

Prevention

Growing pains cannot be prevented entirely, but a few steps may help reduce symptoms. Gentle stretching before bed and staying well-hydrated during the day may make episodes less frequent or less intense.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent growing pains.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for growing pains. A doctor may suggest simple tests if symptoms are unusual.

Complications

If left untreated

• Growing pains themselves cause no lasting harm or damage to bones or muscles.
• If leg pain is actually another condition (such as arthritis, injury, or infection) and it is ignored, the underlying problem might go untreated. That is why it is important to have a doctor check your child if symptoms seem unusual.

Long-term outlook

Most children completely outgrow growing pains by their teens. The pains rarely persist beyond that age and do not lead to any long-term health problems. With a little empathy and simple comfort measures, you and your child can manage these episodes together.

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