Growing Pains

What are growing pains?

Growing pains is a recognised pattern of recurrent leg pains in young children — typically aged 3 to 12 — that occur in the evenings or at night and resolve completely between episodes. Despite the name, the pains aren't actually caused by growth, and the precise cause remains debated.

It's a benign condition. The hallmark is that all examinations and investigations are normal — there's no swelling, no joint involvement, no abnormal findings. The pains, while genuinely uncomfortable, don't reflect any underlying disease.

Importantly, growing pains is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other causes of leg pain need to be considered before settling on this label, particularly when symptoms are atypical.

What does it feel like?

The classic pattern includes:

• Pain in both legs, typically the thighs, calves or behind the knees

• Pains in the evening or waking the child from sleep

• Complete resolution by morning

• No pain during the day or with normal activity

• Pains that respond to gentle massage or warmth

Symptoms come and go — there may be a run of bad nights followed by weeks without any pain. The child is otherwise completely well between episodes.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is clinical and depends on a careful history and examination — both of which are normal in true growing pains.

Investigations are needed when the picture isn't typical. Pain on one side only, daytime pain, joint swelling, fever, weight loss, or any abnormality on examination should prompt further assessment to exclude other diagnoses.

When the story and examination are both classical, the diagnosis can be made confidently and reassurance offered.

What are the treatment options?

There's no specific treatment because there's no underlying problem to fix. Simple measures — gentle massage, warmth, paracetamol for severe episodes — provide comfort during episodes. Most children outgrow the pattern over time.

What matters most is making sure the diagnosis is right. Once that's established, families can be reassured about what they're dealing with. Nev will work through this with you at your consultation if you'd like a thorough assessment.

When should you get it checked?

Seek a specialist assessment if:

• The pain is in one leg only or in a specific joint

• There's daytime pain or pain with activity

• Your child is unwell, losing weight or has fever

• There's swelling, redness or tenderness on examination

• You're not sure whether the pattern fits 'growing pains' and want clarity

Growing pains is real and recognised — but the label should only be applied when the typical pattern is present and other diagnoses have been considered. A clear assessment gives families confidence in what they're dealing with.