Growing pains

What are growing pains?

Growing pains are one cause of recurring discomfort in children. The pains usually occur in the evening or night. The leg pain can be bad enough to wake a child in the night.

Usually growing pains occur in the legs, particularly:

• In the calves.

• In the shins.

• Around the ankles.

• At the front of the thighs.

Growing pains usually affect both legs. They are usually felt in the areas between the joints, rather than in the joints themselves.

It is not known what causes growing pains. They do not seem to be caused by growing, so 'growing pains' is not an accurate term. Various theories about the cause have been tested in studies, but none has been proven.

Growing pains are more common in active children who play sport. It is possible the pains are due to the effect of lots of activity on muscles and bones. Some research studies have considered whether growing pains might have a relation to vitamin D levels.

If a child has low vitamin D levels, vitamin D supplements seem to help with growing pains. Many children with growing pains have normal vitamin D levels, however.

Growing pains do not develop into anything serious and do not do the child any harm.

Growing pains usually start between the ages of 3 and 12 years. Up to half of all children may experience growing pains at some point, so they are common. Growing pains are more common in active children and in those children with very flexible joints (hypermobility). They may also be more common in children with flat feet.

Growing pains usually cause an aching or throbbing feeling in the legs.

If there is anything unusual to see in the area of the pain, the cause is not growing pains. In this case you should see a doctor (see below).

Usually no tests are needed for growing pains. A doctor can usually diagnose growing pains from your description and by examination. There should be nothing unusual to find on examination of a child with growing pains. Blood tests and X-rays would be normal in a child with growing pains. So there is no need to do these tests unless there are symptoms or signs suggesting other causes.

Simple pain relief is all that is needed as the treatment for growing pains. Some options which may be helpful are:

• Heat pads.

• Firmly rubbing the painful area (massage).

• Reassuring your child that there is nothing seriously wrong.

• Paracetamol.

• Ibuprofen.

(Note that aspirin should not be used for children under the age of 16 years.)

There is no evidence showing which treatment works, or works best. So use whichever option(s) seem to be most comforting for your child.

Growing pains settle of their own accord over time. They may last for a few months or even years. They may come and go during this time before settling completely.

See a doctor if your child has:

• Developed a limp.

• Joints which are warm, red or swollen.

• A temperature (fever) with their pains.

• A rash or bruising with their pains.

• Pains in one leg only.

• Pains which carry on in the morning, or no days that are free of pain.

• Pains which are very severe and are not eased with the pain relief suggestions above.

• Lost weight or lost their appetite.

• Ongoing fatigue or lack of energy.

If any of these signs are present, there may be another cause other than growing pains. These signs may suggest a more serious cause and need checking by a doctor.