Is there really such a thing as growing pains?
Preschool and school-aged children often experience growing pains. They are slightly more prevalent in girls than boys.
Are your child’s aching legs keeping them awake at night? They may be experiencing growing pains.
Did you know that growing pains are the most common musculoskeletal condition in children, resulting in frequent visits to healthcare professionals? Its occurrence, cause, and treatment have perplexed the health and medical communities for over two centuries.
French physician Marcel Duchamp coined the term “growing pains” in 1823, but many now regard it as a bit of a misnomer because physical growth as a source of pain is debatable. Despite this, the term is still widely used.
What are growing pains?
Growing pains are leg pains and soreness that occur in children. Growing pains typically begin between the ages of three and 12 years old.
What are the symptoms and signs of growing pains?
Growing pains are commonly felt in children’s thighs, calves, shins, or behind the knees. The pain is usually felt in both legs and does not affect the joints. Children may experience arm pain in addition to leg pain on occasion. Growing pains typically occur in the late afternoon or early evening before bed, but pain can occasionally wake a sleeping child.
Growing pains can last for weeks, months or years, but they do not occur daily.
What causes growing pains?
Doctors are baffled as to what causes growing pains. Pain does not worsen during growth spurts and does not occur near bone growth areas.
Things you can do to ease growing pains
- Gently massage your child’s legs
- Put a covered hot water bottle (or heat pack) on the painful area
- Give your child ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
- Encourage them to wear supportive shoes, such as trainers, during the day
- Give them a warm bath before bedtime
Do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 16 unless a doctor prescribes it.
How are growing pains diagnosed?
Growing pains have no medical test. Doctors make diagnoses based on the symptoms of the child. While some growing pain symptoms can be treated at home with massage, heat, or pain medication, if your child regularly complains of pain, it’s best to contact your child’s doctor.
