Growing pains is the expression used to refer to pain complaints that are common in children and the first years of adolescence , are usually located in the legs, and improve by themselves, almost always without the need for measures to relieve them. Growing pains: Are not due to growth, they do not coincide with the most important phases of bone growth or with the bone sites where growth occurs; Its cause is not known , probably they are related to multiple factors, and a significant increase in activity during the day is certainly one of them; Are not related to the presence of musculoskeletal injuries. It is very important to know what characterizes episodes of growing pains and to distinguish this type of pain from other situations of musculoskeletal pain for which medical attention should be sought. What characterizes growing pains Affect children , especially between the ages of 3 and 12 : They disappear or decrease in intensity and frequency from the age of 10 and throughout the second decade of life; They seem to affect girls more than boys, as well as children who have other health problems; They are the most common reason for complaints of leg pain in school-aged children. Almost always complaints of pain are in the legs , but there may also be complaints of pain in the arms ; The pain is not located in the joints; The thighs, shins, calves and the area behind the knees are the most affected regions of the legs; As a rule, they are bilateral, that is, they affect both limbs, although in an episode of pain, complaints may concern only one. Episodes of pain are recurrent , that is, the pain comes and goes, with no apparent reason, and over time, sometimes several years; Pain complains occur at the end of the day and during the night; The frequency of the episodes is variable, it can be weekly or even daily; In some children, days with more physical activity or more restlessness seem to trigger episodes of growing pains. Growing pains are described as aching or throbbing sensation . The intensity of the pain is variable, it can even interfere with sleep; There are no injuries to muscles or bones; Member mobility or functionality is not affected. How to treat growing pains In most cases, no treatment is necessary for episodes of growing pains because the pain resolves on its own, that is, it is self-limited . However, when the pain is severe , it can be relieved with: Paracetamol or ibuprofen, given in an age-appropriate dose, and as long as there are no contraindications for taking it; Application of heat to the affected area. Seek medical care Be sure to seek medical care whenever one of the following situations occurs : There are complaints of recurrent pain that affects only one limb; Complaints of recurrent pain in the limbs happen during the day; There are complaints of persistent pain, that is, pain that does not appear and disappears; Pain interferes with limb mobility and function; The pain is located in the joints; There are other local signs and symptoms, for example swelling, redness, increased local temperature; There are systemic signs and symptoms, for example fever, tiredness, weight loss, lack of appetite; Whenever you have any doubts about children's complaints of pain in the limbs. Important note: prolonged and persistent pain should always be evaluated because, although growing pains are the most common complain at this age, there are also pathologies specific to this age group whose diagnosis should be excluded, namely osteochondrosis and osteochondritis, which have a different treatment and follow-up. Prevent disease, protect your children. Author : Jorge Pon Source Hashkes PJ, Growing pains . UpToDate, 2023 Meet the orthopedics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
