Growing pains
Growing pains are a nagging pain that usually occurs at night in the leg or knee. Growing pains affect around one in three children, often during a growth spurt. They are common in children aged between 3 and 12.
What causes growing pains?
It has never been scientifically proven that growing pains are actually caused by growth. In the past, this was assumed to be the case, hence the name ‘growing pains’. One theory is that, during or after a growth spurt, the muscles may be shorter than the bones. The bones therefore grow faster than the muscles. This often results in (temporary) muscle shortening.
Others believe that growing pains are mainly caused by flat feet, scoliosis, Bow legs, hypermobility in children, reduced impact resistance, a low pain threshold or poor posture. Growing pains are also often confused with Morbus Sever.
Symptoms of growing pains
- Growing pains mainly occur in the knees and shins;
- The pain always occurs late in the evening and at night;
- The pain disappears in the morning;
- The pain is sometimes very severe but can also be prolonged and nagging;
- Growing pains usually occur in episodes. For example, a child may not suffer from growing pains for quite some time, and then experience a period with frequent bouts of growing pains. An episode usually lasts a few weeks to three months at most.
What can be done about growing pains?
Growing pains can sometimes cause unpleasant symptoms, but they tend to go away on their own as children get older. To help relieve the pain, you can:
- Give the child some children’s paracetamol;
- Give the child a gentle massage;
- Provide the child with extra warmth (e.g. bed socks);
- Reassure the child.
