Growing pains

Growing pains
Synonyms	Benign nocturnal limb pains of childhood
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain in the legs, usually at night
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically between ages 3 and 12
Duration	Episodes last 10 to 30 minutes
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown
Risks	More common in active children
Diagnosis	Based on clinical history and physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Restless legs syndrome, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Osgood-Schlatter disease
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Reassurance, massage, analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Affects 10-20% of children
Deaths	N/A

Growing pains are a common type of pain experienced by children, typically between the ages of 3 and 12. Despite the name, growing pains are not actually caused by growth. Instead, they are thought to be due to overuse or strain of the muscles during the day.

Symptoms

Growing pains are usually felt in the legs, particularly in the front of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. They tend to occur late in the day or at night, and may even wake a child from sleep. The pain is usually gone by morning.

Causes

The exact cause of growing pains is unknown. They are not associated with any underlying medical condition, and they do not cause any long-term harm. Some theories suggest that growing pains may be related to the physical activity of the child, as they often occur after a day of vigorous play.

Diagnosis

Growing pains are typically diagnosed based on the child's symptoms and a physical examination. There are no specific tests for growing pains, but a doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for growing pains typically involves simple home remedies, such as massaging the legs, applying heat, or using over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy or stretching exercises.

See also

• Pain
• Child health
• Physical therapy

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