Growing pains
Growing pains are harmless, self-resolving pains in the extremities that often wake children up. Despite their name, growing pains are not actually caused by growth and do not affect a child's growth. Its actual cause remains unknown. These pains most commonly affect preschool and school-age children and occur slightly more frequently in girls than in boys. It is important for clinicians to distinguish these pains from other pains that may warrant further investigation.
Symptoms
Growing pains usually start between the ages of two and 12. They occur mainly in the lower extremities (especially the calves and thighs), and are often described as deep and crampy. The pain occurs in episodes, usually at night, and can often awaken the child from sleep. These pains usually resolve quickly and by morning the children are fine and can resume their normal activities. Children with growing pains show no visible signs of illness or injury, and do not have a fever, rash, weight loss, joint swelling, or a limp. Any child exhibiting any of these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a doctor to determine if there is another cause of the pain.
Diagnosis
With a complete medical history and physical exam, a doctor can usually make the diagnosis of growing pains without performing imaging studies or laboratory tests. However, if such tests are done, they will give normal results. In children who have more worrisome symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, worsening pain during the day, limping, or inability to participate in typical activities, further evaluation is needed to look for other possible conditions. Additional tests are also important for those who show other worrisome signs during the physical exam, such as joint swelling or limited range of motion.
Treatment
Acute periods of pain can often be relieved with warm compresses, massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Muscle strengthening exercises may be helpful for more chronic pain, although this has not been well studied. Above all, pain should not be allowed to disrupt the child's normal daytime activities. Stopping daytime activities will not help prevent further episodes of growing pains and may actually make the pain worse.
Our medical team
We have an expert team in shoulder and elbow reconstructive surgery, treatment of fractures at the shoulder girdle level, total and partial shoulder prosthetic replacement, less invasive techniques such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery for rotator cuff injuries and shoulder instability. Operative and non-operative management of acute and chronic shoulder and elbow injuries.
