"Growing pains" is a name given to pain typically manifesting in children's leg muscles, particularly in the calves, the front of the thighs and behind the knees. There is no evidence suggesting that growth actually causes pain. However, an estimated 25 to 40 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 12 experience the phenomenon known as pediatric growing pains, the KidsHealth website reports.
Causes
As of 2011, there is no definitive cause of pediatric growing pains. While muscles and tendons may be tight around growing bones, Dr. Alan Greene explains, the pains are not generally attributed to growth. They are more likely related to physical activity and the strain that running, jumping, climbing and other childhood fun places on a kid's underdeveloped musculoskeletal structure.
Symptoms
Aching or throbbing pain in leg muscles is the defining symptom of pediatric growing pains. The pain does not occur in bones or joints. Both legs tend to be affected, though sometimes pain manifests only on one side. Occasionally, abdominal pain or headaches are seen with growing pains. Symptoms usually strike in the evening, but they sometimes start in the afternoon, and are known to wake some children in the middle of the night. Most kids don't experience symptoms every day, and the severity and duration varies. Some children may have muscle spasms in affected areas, too.
Diagnosis
Growing pains requires an exclusionary diagnosis. There is no definitive test, so a pediatrician relies on ruling out other possible causes of symptoms. Growing pains does not cause inflammation, redness, tenderness or fever, for example, nor does it affect parts of the body other than muscles. Thus, the presence of other symptoms indicates something besides growing pains. If pain is relieved with gentle to moderate pressure, this makes growing pains a more likely diagnosis. When necessary, a pediatrician will run tests, including X-rays or blood work, to rule out other possibilities.
Treatment
There is no cure for growing pains; they must simply be waited out. However, some measures may reduce the pain and discomfort a child experiences. A daily stretching routine can help children old enough to do one. Stretching the legs and toes upward during symptoms can ease them. Massaging the affected areas and applying a warm compresses or heating pad may provide relief, too. For bad pain, use a children's over-the-counter pain reliever. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but aspirin is not safe for children under 12. Heed all package directions and warnings, and discuss appropriate pain medication with your pediatrician.
