Growing Pains in Children

Growing pain is a common cause of recurrent musculoskeletal pain in childhood. It occurs in approximately half of children between the ages of 4 and 12. Complaints that begin around the age of 4-6 decrease as time progresses. It is seen equally in boys and girls.

Growing Pain Treatment at Liv Hospital

Growing pains are typically felt in the calves, front of the thigh, shin, and behind the knee. Pain usually occurs at night and wakes up from sleep. Both legs are affected. Some days there may be pain, some days there may be no pain. Pain attacks can sometimes last minutes, sometimes hours.

The fact that the pain is unilateral, localized and continuous, is more dominant during the day rather than at night, and is associated with swelling and stiffness in the joints indicates that there may be another cause of pain such as underlying infection, joint problems, or rheumatic diseases. In addition, the presence of systemic findings such as fever, night sweats, extreme weakness and pallor indicates that there may be a serious underlying oncological disease. It should not be forgotten that common musculoskeletal pain in children can also be seen with deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, folic acid, iron, calcium and magnesium.

How to Treat Growing Pains?

The diagnosis of growing pain is made by excluding other causes of pain. The history of growing pains is usually typical. Laboratory tests and imaging tests such as x-ray, MRI, tomography and bone scan are used to detect structural, oncological, rheumatological, infectious and traumatic causes in the presence of an atypical history and abnormal physical examination findings.

Pain attacks caused by growing pains worry parents. However, growing pains usually subside and end in adolescence without requiring any treatment. Stretching exercises of the quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles are useful. Additionally, hot application and massage can be applied to painful areas. In cases where pain is severe, painkillers and anti-inflammatory treatment may be given.