by Jennifer Bunn

Created on: September 09, 2009

The term "growing pains" is a misnomer. Growing pains are not, as the name suggests, related to growth; the pains are instead often attributed to overexertion. They generally strike children who are between the ages of 4 and 9 years of age, causing moderate pain that can be frightening to a small child.

Although the exact cause of growing pains is unknown, they are thought to be related to the intense level of activity of children in this age range. Some children experience this pain as muscle pain, while others complain of bone pain. They often occur at night and may occur off and on for months at a time. It is thought that children experience the pain more often at night because that is when they slow their activity level and rest, allowing them the ability to "pay attention" to the pain that may have been present earlier in the day but which they were too busy to take notice of.

Growing pain should be evaluated if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, excessive tiredness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, limping or favoring of one leg, pain when the child awakens or swelling of a joint. These constitutional signs may be signs of a more serious disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition. Any of these symptoms combined with leg pain should prompt a visit to your physician.

What can be done to address the discomfort of growing pains? First of all, acknowledging that the pain is real is important. Although the pain is benign, it can cause significant discomfort, and this should not be minimized. Reassure your child and let them know that there are things that can be done to minimize that pain, such as administering a painkiller such as Tylenol (remember that aspirin should never be given to children with fever as it can cause a neurological condition known as Reye's syndrome). Immersing the limb in warm water or taking a warm bath can be helpful in some cases. Massaging of the limb may be comforting to the child, as well as helping to promote circulation to the painful area. A heating pad can be applied to the sore area, but should not be placed directly on the skin to avoid burns.

Growing pains can be a scary experience for young children and worrisome for parents. Employing some of these remedies may ease the discomfort of these common pains of childhood. Should symptoms persist, or if they are severe in nature or accompanied by any of the warning signs listed, seek the advice of your family physician.

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