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It’s late at night. A first-grader is sitting up in bed, clutching his legs in pain. His parents rush to his side, but there’s no visible injury, no swelling, nothing that would explain the intensity of his distress. After some comforting, and a gentle leg rub, he’s back to sleep. By morning, he’s running around with his usual energy as if nothing had happened.
This scenario isn’t as uncommon as it may seem. For many children, leg pain that strikes at night is a regular occurrence, and it’s often the culprit behind the mystery of “growing pains.” As distressing as it may seem, growing pains are typically harmless. But how can parents know when it’s just a phase and when they should be concerned? To shed light on the same, we at OnlyMyHealth contacted an expert, Dr Prakash Vaidya, Consultant-Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
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What Are Growing Pains?
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Dr. Vaidya explains, “Growing pain is a muscle ache often experienced by children during their period of growth, usually between the ages of 3-to-12 years of age. This type of muscle pain is felt at night by children in their legs, often in the muscles of the calves or behind the knees. The pain can be described as an ache or throbbing in the legs, and children might experience discomfort after periods of increased physical activity. The pain might also be severe enough to wake them up from their sleep.”
These pains are usually described as deep, aching cramps, often affecting the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. They are most common in the evening or at night, and they tend to fade by morning.
What Do Growing Pains Feel Like?
It’s a deep, dull ache in the legs that can be mild for some, but intense for others. For most kids, these pains come and go; lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. One night, they might wake up in tears, but by the morning, they’re back to their energetic selves, as if nothing ever happened.
What Causes Growing Pains?
The truth is, no one really knows. But according to the Cleveland Clinic, here are a few possibilities.
Muscle Overuse
Kids are constantly on the move, running, climbing, jumping. All that activity can cause muscle fatigue and strain, especially after a busy day, which might trigger pain later at night.
Pain Threshold
Research has shown that some children with growing pains have a lower pain threshold, meaning they are more sensitive to discomfort than others. These children are also more likely to suffer from other conditions like headaches or abdominal pain.
Hypermobility
Some children have very flexible joints or flat feet, which can contribute to growing pains. Their joints may move beyond normal range, causing discomfort.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A study showed that children with growing pains often have lower levels of vitamin D, which is essential for bone strength. This could be another reason why their legs hurt.
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How Do You Know It’s Growing Pains?
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Growing pains usually happen in the legs, affecting both limbs at once, and they tend to occur at night or in the evening. The pain comes on suddenly, and while it can be severe, it usually doesn’t last long. By morning, most kids feel fine and resume their usual activities. Parents will notice that there are no visible signs, no redness, swelling, or bruising.
However, growing pains can differ from child to child. For some, the pain is mild and occasional. For others, it may be more frequent or last longer. Some children might experience pain every night, while others might go weeks or months without an episode.
When Should You Worry?
Dr. Vaidya says, “Not all types of leg pains can be dismissed as growing pain. If your child is experiencing pain that involves only one limb, then the reason behind it might be a serious disease such as osteoid osteoma.” Our expert further adds that another condition that is sometimes confused with growing pains is restless leg syndrome.
This condition occurs prior to sleep in contrast to growing pains, which may awaken the child from sleep. He advises our readers to consult a doctor immediately if this kind of pain persists. Additionally, if the pain causes your child to limp or if they have trouble walking, it’s important to seek medical advice.
How to Help Your Child Through Growing Pains
Dr. Vaidya highlights that if your child experiences growing pain, try applying a heating pad to their leg and massaging them. Severe pain can be alleviated by taking over-the-counter painkillers.
Also, undoubtedly, the best remedy may be a little reassurance. Let your child know that the pain is temporary and that they’ll feel better soon.
Wrapping Up A Comprehensive Guide For Parents
Growing pains can be tough on both children and parents. But as distressing as they may be, they’re a common part of childhood. Understanding the signs, knowing how to comfort your child, and recognising when it’s time to consult a doctor will help you navigate these painful episodes with confidence.
While growing pains may cause a few sleepless nights, rest assured, they’re usually just a normal phase in your child’s development.