Growing Pains in Children

Growing Pains in Children

What are growing pains?

Growing pains is a term that is used to describe pain that some children feel in their joints and limbs. There is no known cause or exact explanation for growing pains. Growing pains commonly affect children who are 3–5 years old and 8–12 years old.

The main symptom of this condition is pain in your child’s arms, legs, or joints. Pain most commonly affects the legs, behind the knees. The pain usually goes away on its own after several hours, but it can return (recur) days, weeks, or months later. Pain usually occurs in the late afternoon or at night. Your child may wake up during the night because of the pain.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Recurrent pain in the abdomen.
  • Recurrent headaches.

Growing pains usually do not mean that your child will have health problems in the future.

What causes growing pains?

Growing pains may be caused by:

  • Overusing the muscles and joints.
  • The body’s natural process of growing and developing.

Generally, growing pains are not caused by arthritis or any other permanent condition.

How can I help my child to cope with growing pains?

  • Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider. Your child’s health care provider may recommend certain over-the-counter medicines to help relieve pain and discomfort.
  • Rub and massage your child’s painful areas. This may help to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • If directed, apply heat to your child’s affected areas as often as told by your child’s health care provider. Use the heat source that your child’s health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
    • Place a towel between your child’s skin and the heat source.
    • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
    • Remove the heat if your child’s skin turns bright red.

Allow your child to continue his or her regular activities, as long as they do not cause your child more pain. There is no need to restrict activities due to growing pains.

When should I seek medical care?

Seek medical care if your child has any of these symptoms:

  • Fever.
  • Sudden weight loss.
  • Limping or other physical limitations.
  • Pain during the day.
  • Pain in only one limb.
  • Pain that continues to get worse.

When should I seek immediate medical care?

Seek immediate medical care if your child has any of these symptoms:

  • Severe pain.
  • Pain that lasts for more than 2 days without going away.
  • Pain that develops in the morning.
  • Swelling, redness, or any visible deformity in any joints.
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.
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