Childhood growing pains

What are growing pains?

Growing pains are a common cause of recurring discomfort in children. They are aches, usually felt in the legs.

The pains usually occur in the evening or night. The pain can sometimes be bad enough to wake up your child in the night.

Usually growing pains occur in the legs, particularly

• In the back of the leg below the knee (the calf)
• At the front of the leg below the knee (the shin)
• Around the ankles
• At the front of the leg above the knee (the thigh)

Growing pains are usually felt in both legs but sometimes one more than the other, they are often felt in the areas between the joints, rather than in the joints themselves. They are not serious and settle in time of their own accord.

What causes growing pains?

It is not known what causes growing pains. They are not always caused by growing so ‘growing pains’ can sometimes be a confusing term. Various theories about the cause have been tested in studies but none have been proven.

Growing pains are sometimes more common in active children. It is possible that the pains are due to the effect of lots of activity on muscles and bones but do not cause damage so you do not have to restrict your child’s activity levels.

It is important to remember that growing pains do not develop into anything serious and do not do the child any harm.

Some research studies have suggested that growing pains might have a connection to vitamin D levels – especially living in Scotland multivitamins or vitamin D supplements sometimes seem to help with growing pains.

Who gets growing pains?

Growing pains usually affect children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. Up to half of all children may experience growing pains at some point.

What are the signs of growing pains?

There are no signs. If there is anything unusual to see in the area of the pain the cause is probably not growing pains and you should contact your GP.

Are any tests needed?

Usually, no tests are needed for growing pains. A doctor or physiotherapist can usually diagnose growing pains from your description and a physical 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.

What treatment is there for growing pains?

Reassurance, gentle massage to the area and a hot water bottle or a warm bath can help with the pain and is usually all that is needed. In time growing pains should settle of their own accord, this however can take months and sometimes years.

Sometimes the pain can come and go during this time before completely settling.

Occasionally simple pain relief can help but often isn’t needed. Try the following stretches to see if they help your child’s pain.

Stretches to help with child’s pain

Hamstring stretch

• Lie on the floor with both legs bent.
• Lift one leg off of the floor and bring the knee toward your chest.
• Clasp your hands behind your thigh below your knee.
• Straighten your leg and then pull it gently toward your head, until you feel a stretch.

If you have difficulty clasping your hands behind your leg, loop a towel around your thigh.

Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times and repeat 2-3 times on each leg.

Stretch Quads prone self

• Lie face down.
• Reach back and grasp the ankle.
• Relax your leg and gently pull your ankle towards your buttocks.

Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times and repeat 2-3 times on each leg.

Knee to Chest

• Lie on your back on the floor with your legs extended straight out.
• Bend one knee and hold below your knee with your hands.
• Gently pull your knee toward your chest as far as it will go.

Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times and repeat 2-3 times on each leg.

Wall push-ups or stretches for Achilles Tendon

• Stand to face a wall with one leg forward with a slight bend at the knee.
• Keep the leg behind you straight with the heel flat on the ground.
• With both heels flat on the floor, press your hips forward toward the wall.

Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times and repeat 2-3 times on each leg.

When should I see a doctor about growing pains?

If your child develops a limp, has warm swollen joints, or has signs of stiffness in the morning and a temperature with their pains.