YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/BONE AND JOINT DISORDERS: GROWING PAINS
Growing pains are very common. It is said that 1 in 5 children suffers from them at some stage, especially during the early school years.
Cause
The cause of growing pains is uncertain. They are said to be related to exercise, but this is not always so, and in most cases there are no known precipitating events.
Clinical features
The child complains of aching or a burning sensation in the legs — in the thighs, calves, feet or joints. The pains can also occur, though far less commonly, in the arms or other parts of the body. They usually occur at night, and sometimes wake the child from sleep, but are also common in the daytime. They are rarely severe enough to interfere with daily activity. In most children, the pain or discomfort is transient, irregular and unpredictable — it tends to come and go. The natural history is for growing pains to get better over time.
Investigations
No investigations are usually necessary. Occasionally the doctor will order an X-ray or blood test to exclude other conditions, such as a fracture or inflammation.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for growing pains. Massaging the affected area may help. Occasionally a mild analgesic is given to the child, but mostly all that is necessary is reassurance and the general measures described above. There is no need to restrict activity.
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you suspect that there is something more serious going on — if the pains are very severe and persistent, if there is a limp, or an affected part is tender or feels hot.
Prevention
There is nothing that can be done to prevent growing pains.
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