Growing pains often happen in both sides of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. Some children may also have pain on one side or in the upper limbs.

The pain will come and go but often lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours. It usually happens at night. This may cause problems sleeping.

The Knee

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Growing pains will go away with time. Home care may help. Choices are:

Over the counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen
Stretching
Massage
Warm packs

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent this health problem.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.cps.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Growing pains are normal most of the time. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/orthopedic/Pages/Growing-Pains-Are-Normal-Most-Of-The-Time.aspx. Accessed December 16, 2020.

Growing pains. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/growing-pains. Accessed December 16, 2020.

Growing pains. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed December 16, 2020.

Mohanta MP. Growing pains: practitioners' dilemma. Indian Pediatr. 2014 May;51(5):379-383.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated: 5/28/2021

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