What are Growing Pains?
Growing pains are one of the most common recurrent pains in children under 12 years old. Up to 40% of children will report having growing pains.
The term was first used in 1823! In the book; Maladies dela Croissance (“diseases of growth”). Since then, there is NO CONSENSUS on the definition of growing pains or how to diagnose them in clinical practice.
The most consistent definition or description of growing pain includes;
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both legs
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muscular pain, not joint pain
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worse at night, no pain in the morning
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episodic or recurrent
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all physical, radiographic and laboratory investigations are normal
Despite the name, growing pains aren’t directly caused by growth spurts. In a large review, 93% of the included studies did not refer to growth at all in their definition of growing pains!
Why Do Growing Pains Occur?
The exact cause of growing pains is still not fully understood, but there are several theories:
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Anatomic; i.e., hypermobility, ‘knocked-knees’, low bone mineral density
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Psychological; i.e., stress, emotional regulation
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Vascular; i.e., poor vascular perfusion to the bone
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Metabolic; i.e., low vitamin D
These theoretical mechanisms are NOT supported by good strong consistent evidence.
Instead, growing pains are often linked to the physical activities of the day. After a day of running, jumping, and playing, your child’s muscles might be tired and sore, leading to discomfort at night.
When to See a Health Professional
Growing pains are generally harmless. However, it’s important to be aware of signs that might indicate a more serious issue. Consult your healthcare provider if your child’s pain:
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Persists in the morning
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Is severe or worsening
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Is accompanied by swelling, redness, or tenderness
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Affects only one limb
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Is associated with other symptoms like fever, weight loss, decreased appetite or a limp
A ‘diagnosis’ of growing pains should be interpreted as a syndrome rather than a disease. The diagnosis indicates the exact cause of the pain is not known and management is directed toward alleviating symptoms.
How to Help Your Child
Growing pains (in the absence of any other underlying cause of pain) tend to resolve on their own. But in the meantime, there are several ways you can help ease your child’s discomfort:
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Gentle Massage: to help soothe sore muscles and provide comfort. Use your hands to gently rub the affected areas, which can help relax tight muscles and promote blood flow.
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Heat: applying a heat-pack can provide comfort, relief and promote blood flow. Ensure the compress is not to hot. Don’t leave on for too long or while your child is sleeping, sustained positioning on the skin can cause burns.
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Stretching Exercises: light stretching before bedtime, focusing on the legs can help alleviate muscle tension and prevent nighttime aches.
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Comfortable Footwear: child your child’s shoes are supportive and well-fitting. Especially their sport shoes (soccer boots etc). Good footwear can help reduce the strain on their muscles and joints during daily activities.
By understanding the nature of these pains and knowing how to provide relief, you can help your child navigate this phase with ease.
A check up with the team at Trident can help ensure your child’s musculoskeletal system is functioning optimally and there are no underlying signs of concern. Chiropractic care can address any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to growing pains.
To happy, healthy growing!
