About Growing Pains
The disease mechanism and causes of growing pains are still unknown. However, it is believed that muscle pain caused by overuse during the day may be the most likely cause. This overuse can come from normal childhood activities, such as running and playing games, which can strain the muscles. Growing pains are commonly seen in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years.
If you have concerns about your child's growing pains or want to explore potential risk factors, it would be best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's individual situation.
The most common early symptoms of growing pains are:
- Muscle aches and pains that usually occur in both legs
- Leg pain that comes and goes
- Pain that usually starts in the late afternoon or evening
- Pain that may wake the child up at night, but is usually gone by morning
Other common symptoms that may occur with later stages, progression, or higher severity of growing pains include:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
It's important to note that growing pains are a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning they are diagnosed after other conditions have been ruled out. If your child experiences any symptoms that concern you or if the pain continues overnight and into another day, affects their walking, or is accompanied by swollen, red, or tender joints, it is recommended to seek medical advice. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and may carry out tests to rule out more serious underlying causes.
To diagnose growing pain, healthcare providers typically rely on clinical evaluation and exclusion of other conditions. There are no specific examinations, tests, or procedures that can definitively diagnose or determine the severity of growing pain. However, the following may be performed:
- Physical examination: This includes assessing for pain, swelling, or other physical signs.
- Medical history: Gathering information about the child's symptoms and their onset.
It's important to note that growing pain is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other conditions must be ruled out. If symptoms worsen or change, follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
The goals of treatment for growing pains are to alleviate pain and discomfort in children. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Massaging and stretching: Massaging and stretching your child's legs can help soothe the pain by increasing muscle flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
- Heat therapy: Applying gentle heat to the affected area through heat pads or warm baths helps relax the muscles, providing relief from pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to alleviate aches and pains. However, it is important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist to determine the correct dosage for your child.
It's important to note that growing pains usually resolve on their own over time, and these treatments are aimed at managing symptoms rather than curing the condition.
Remember, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.