What are growing pains?

 

The cause of growing pains is unknown. It is a condition in which children, girls more than boys, have limb pain for unknown reasons. The symptoms usually involve the legs more than the arms and occur between the ages of 4 and 12. The pains are primarily deep in the muscles of the thigh and calf, often occurring at the end of the day and waking the child from sleep. The condition is intermittent, with pain episodes occurring week-to-week for 1 year, but eventually disappearing over a 1- to 2-year period. Limping, altered gait, or warm, swollen joints are not associated with this condition. If your child's growing pains do not resolve or progressively worsen, he or she should be seen by a physician. Stretching, massage, heat, and ibuprofen can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Lastly, children and parents should be reassured that this condition is common and eventually, the child will "grow out of it."

 

Robert Gazmararian, M.D.

 

Glendale, California