Growing Pains

Growing pains is a diagnosis that can be given to children who experience recurring pain. It is a diagnosis of exclusion which means that other causes of pain must be ruled out first. Growing Pains are general in nature, come-and-go and often occur in the legs.

Despite what the name suggests, growing pains have not been linked to growth. For this reason, they are now often referred to as ‘Recurrent Limb Pains of Childhood.’

It is important to get any pain in children assessed to ensure that a correct diagnosis is given.

Features of Growing Pain:

• Pain should be intermittent, meaning it comes and goes

• Pain should occur on both sides of the body

• Pain frequently occurs in the front of the thigh, calf and back of the knee

• Pain should not be accompanied with swelling, redness or be hot to touch

• Pain should not cause limping

• Pain should not be centered around the joints –for example, the ankle or knee joint

The pain that children experience with growing pain is very real and can be quite distressing to children and their parents.

Physiotherapy assessment:

Physiotherapists work with the medical team to assess children who report pain. They determine if there is any other underlying cause for the pain that may require medical investigation or management.

Stretching, strengthening and massage can sometimes help with growing pain. Heat and foot insoles can also sometimes offer relief, however this can be inconsistent and vary from child to child.

Please reach out if you have any questions!