Growing Pain (Growing Pain) is a condition that causes pain in the shins, calves or behind the knees. It usually occurs in both legs. It is more common in young children or school-aged children and is more common in females than males.
The cause of Growing Pain is still unclear. It was originally believed to be caused by growth, but it was later discovered that it was not related to the child’s growth in any way. This condition is not dangerous, not related to other serious diseases, and will eventually go away on its own. When a child is in pain, parents can relieve the pain in various ways appropriately, depending on the symptoms and severity that vary from person to person.
Symptoms of Growing Pain
Growing pain causes a throbbing or aching pain in both legs, usually in the shins, calves or behind the knees. The pain is worse when the legs are moved. The pain is often worse before bedtime or may be so severe that it wakes the person up. The pain usually goes away in the morning. Some people may also have arm pain, stomach pain or headaches. The frequency of these symptoms may vary from person to person.
However, if the child has pain for a long time, feels pain in the morning or feels pain that affects daily life, is tired or weak, has swelling or redness in the painful area, has pain after an injury, has a fever, limps, has a rash, has a loss of appetite or changes in behavior, the child should be taken to see a doctor so that the child can receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Growing Pain
Currently, doctors have not been able to identify the cause of growing pains, but the symptoms may be related to excessive use of the legs during the day, such as running, climbing, or jumping. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is also common in children who have abnormal walking, standing, or sitting postures, including flat feet.
Diagnosis of Growing Pain
The doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms to find the cause of the pain. The doctor may also perform additional tests such as X-rays or laboratory tests if the child frequently has pain in one or the same leg, or feels pain or stiffness in the muscles in the morning. This is because these symptoms may be caused by an underlying disease.
Growing Pain Treatment
Since Growing Pain is a harmless condition, there is no specific treatment. Most patients’ symptoms will improve on their own within 1–2 years. However, parents can take care of their children in various ways, such as:
- Gently massage the painful area and hug the child to help them feel better.
- Take a warm bath before going to bed or apply a hot compress to relieve muscle pain. Apply the compress before going to bed and remove it when you fall asleep, or apply it when you feel pain.
- Take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and avoid aspirin as it can put children at risk of developing Reye ‘sSyndrome .
- Perform stretching exercises on your legs during the day to prevent pain at night.
Parents should consult a doctor if their child’s feet are abnormal or they frequently trip and fall, to check for any abnormalities in the legs and balance. They should not associate the cause of Growing Pain with activities or growth, as this can cause fear in children.
Complications of Growing Pain
In general, people who experience Growing Pain do not have any complications, but the pain can interfere with sleep in some cases.
Preventing Growing Pain
Growing Pain is a condition that cannot be prevented, but parents can take care of their children when they have pain. They should observe other abnormal symptoms that occur with the pain that may be caused by dangerous diseases so that children can receive timely treatment.
