Growing Pains
Causes TOP
Growing pains do not happen from growing. The exact cause is not known. Things that may play a role are:
- Excess physical activity
- Lower pain threshold
- Low bone strength
- Loose joints
Risk Factors TOP
This problem is more common in children who are 4 to 14 years of age.
Other things that may raise the risk are:
- A family history of growing pains
- Emotional or family stress
- Personal or family history of migraines
- Family history of restless leg syndrome (RLS)
Rapid growth does not increase the risk of this problem.
Symptoms TOP
Growing pains often happen in both sides of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. Some children may also have pain on one side or in the upper limbs.
The pain will come and go but often lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours. It usually happens at night. This may cause problems sleeping.
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Diagnosis TOP
You will be asked about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment TOP
Growing pains will go away with time. Home care may help. Choices are:
- Over the counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen
- Stretching
- Massage
- Warm packs
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.cps.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Growing pains are normal most of the time. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/orthopedic/Pages/Growing-Pains-Are-Normal-Most-Of-The-Time.aspx. Accessed December 16, 2020.
Growing pains. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/growing-pains. Accessed December 16, 2020.
Growing pains. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed December 16, 2020.
Mohanta MP. Growing pains: practitioners' dilemma. Indian Pediatr. 2014 May;51(5):379-383.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated: 5/28/2021