Growing Pains – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose growing pains by checking the child’s symptoms and medical history. They look for pain patterns, mostly in the legs, often at night, and without swelling, redness, or a limp.
Doctors do not use a specific test for growing pains. If a child has other symptoms like swelling, ongoing knee pain, or walking problems, doctors may order blood tests or imaging such as X-rays to check for other conditions.
Doctors check for issues like overuse injuries, juvenile arthritis, or Osgood-Schlatter disease if symptoms are unusual.
Find Out More
- Physical Exam: The doctor checks the child’s joints and muscles for swelling or tenderness.
- Possible Tests: Sometimes, doctors use blood tests or X-rays to rule out conditions like rheumatic disease or lupus.
- Other Causes: If symptoms seem unusual, doctors also check for joint hypermobility, restless legs syndrome, or overuse conditions.
| Symptom | Possible Tests | Other Causes to Rule Out |
|---|---|---|
| Limp, swelling, redness | X-ray, blood test | Juvenile arthritis, overuse syndrome |
| Persistent knee pain | MRI, radiography | Patellar tendon injury, Osgood-Schlatter |
Treatment
Simple steps at home can ease muscle aches during growth spurts, especially for active children. Gentle leg massages or holding and comforting the child may improve their mood.
Using a warm heating pad or taking a warm bath before bed helps relax sore muscles. Remove the heating pad after the child falls asleep.
For temporary pain, over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen is safe. Avoid aspirin to protect bone strength and reduce health risks.
Stretching leg muscles during the day may lower the chances of pain at night.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Self Care Tip | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Gentle Massage | Relieves tension |
| Heating Pad/Warm Bath | Soothes sore muscles |
| Pain Relievers | Eases pain safely |
| Daytime Stretching | Prevents nighttime pain |
Encourage physical activity and help manage weight to support overall well-being. Follow-up visits and encouraging rest may also help.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps to Take Before the Visit
Make a list before your appointment. Write down:
- The places on the body where pain is felt
- The time of day when pain usually happens
- How long the pain lasts
- What actions or remedies make the pain feel better
- Whether the pain makes it hard for your child to sleep
- Other symptoms, like swelling, redness, stomach pain, or headaches
- Recent changes in your child’s physical activities
- Any family members with similar symptoms or medical problems
Bring this list to the appointment. Clear notes can help the provider understand your child’s situation better.
What the Provider Might Do
The provider will likely ask questions about the pain and your child’s daily activities. They may want to know if anyone else in the family has had similar aches.
The provider may do a physical exam to look for sore areas on the muscles or bones. Sometimes, the provider presses gently on certain spots to check for tenderness.
