Growing pains

Growing pains is a term used to describe intermittent pain, usually in the legs, in otherwise healthy children.


Causes/associated factors
The cause of growing pains is unknown, and it's uncertain whether they're related to the growing process at all. Some experts debate whether the muscle aches or pains common during mild viral illnesses and after strenuous activity, such as running or jumping, are mistaken for growing pains.
Growing pains are most common in school-aged children. They won't affect your child's growth and development, and typically go away on their own by age 12.


Signs/symptoms
Growing pains cause intermittent, deep pain in the legs, thighs, calves, behind the knees or, rarely, in the groin. Although growing pains can occur anytime, they're often noticed late in the evening or while the child is in bed. The nature of the pain can vary and may include:
intermittent pain that doesn't occur on a daily basis
intermittent pain that occurs for weeks or months, disappears and then returns
pain unrelated to daytime physical activity
leg pain that doesn't involve the joints
pain in both legs, never just one
Although growing pains seem to be harmless, an underlying disorder may cause the same type of pain. If your child has swelling, muscle shrinking or wasting, limpness, tenderness, continued pain or other signs of disease, consult his or her doctor.


Diagnosis
The doctor will review your child's health history and do a physical exam. Your child may need lab tests or X-rays of the affected area to rule out more serious conditions. Growing pains may be diagnosed if the evaluation is normal and your child is otherwise healthy.

Treatment
To help your child deal with growing pains, reassure him or her that the pain is temporary and not a sign of a serious problem.
If your child's symptoms last longer than 30 minutes, the doctor may recommended an over-the-counter pain medication, such as children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It may help to gently massage the painful area or apply a warm, moist compress. You may want to teach your child muscle-stretching exercises as well.