Dr Lexi
Growing pains (also known as Benign Nocturnal Limb Pains) are really common in young children and cause a lot of worry for parents.
Here is what you need to know:
WHAT ARE GROWING PAINS?
- Growing pains are generalised leg pains which are really common in children
- The pain is mostly felt in the muscles in the calf, behind the knee and the front of the thighs
- They usually occur in the afternoons or evenings but can wake children from their sleep
- Growing pains tend to come and go and often are there after an active day
WHY DO KIDS GET GROWING PAINS?
- It is thought that growing pains are due to muscle strain and fatigue, linked with muscle and bone changes that occur with growth
HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE GROWING PAINS?
- Children with growing pains generally have good health
- The diagnosis of growing pains is made clinically and is one of exclusion
- It is important to make sure there are no other worrying features like fevers or general unwellness, joint pains, redness or swelling, persistent pain or morning pain (particularly in one joint), limping, weakness or tiredness
- if your child has any of these features, they need to be assessed by a Dr and possibly investigated
ARE THERE ANY TREATMENTS FOR GROWING PAINS?
– There is NO SPECIFIC TREATMENT for growing pains
- Treatment includes:
- Education and reassurance
- Symptomatic relief- eg massage, gentle heat (warm bath or heat pack)
- Prevention with muscle stretches before bed may help
- Pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given
- BUT – it is Important to be confident about diagnosis, as not to miss more serious conditions. If in doubt- get checked by your child’s Dr.
RESOURCES:
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/growing-pains-benign-nocturnal-limb-pains-bnlp/
Disclaimer: The content in this article is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Moreover views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employers or other official organisations.
Dr Lexi Frydenberg
General Paediatrician
Instagram:@drlexifry
