Growing Pains

Growing pains are recurring aches in both legs that affect otherwise healthy children, mostly between the ages of 3 and 12. The pain comes in the late afternoon or at night, can wake the child, and has gone by morning. Despite the name, there is no evidence that growth itself causes it.

The condition is harmless and children grow out of it. The diagnosis is made by recognising the typical pattern and confirming that the child is well and the examination is normal. The main task for parents and doctors is to distinguish it from the uncommon conditions that need treatment.

Symptome

• Aching or throbbing in both legs, in the calves, shins, thighs or behind the knees
• Pain in the evening or at night, never still there in the morning
• Pain in the muscles rather than in the joints
• Episodes that come and go, with pain-free days or weeks between
• Often worse after a very active day
• No limp, swelling, redness or fever, and normal play during the day

Ursachen und Risikofaktoren

The cause is not known. Suggested contributors include muscle fatigue after busy days, a lower pain threshold, very flexible joints, flat feet that alter how the legs are loaded, and low vitamin D in some children. There is often a family history, and some affected children also get tummy aches or headaches. Restless legs syndrome can look similar and also runs in families. None of these explanations is proven, which is why treatment focuses on comfort and reassurance.

Wie es diagnostiziert wird

• History and examination: A typical story with a completely normal examination of the legs, hips, spine and gait is enough. Tests are not required.
• Blood tests: Blood count, inflammatory markers and sometimes vitamin D, only when something does not fit the pattern.
• X-ray or ultrasound: For pain in one leg only, a limp, or pain localised to a joint or bone.

Behandlungsmöglichkeiten

• Massage and warmth: Rubbing the legs, a warm bath or a heat pack settles most episodes within 10 to 30 minutes.
• Simple pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct dose for weight on bad nights.
• Stretching: Gentle daily calf, hamstring and thigh stretches may reduce how often episodes occur.
• Footwear and insoles: Supportive shoes, and insoles for children with markedly flat feet who also have daytime discomfort.
• Vitamin D: Supplementation if a blood test shows a low level.

Wenn es dringend ist

See a doctor promptly, locally, if the pain is in one leg only, is still there in the morning, is centred on a joint, or comes with a limp, swelling, redness, fever, weight loss, tiredness, pallor, easy bruising or a refusal to walk. These features are not growing pains and need examination and tests without delay.

Reisen nach Türkiye zur Behandlung

There is no reason to travel for growing pains. The diagnosis is clinical, the treatment is done at home, and any child with worrying features should be seen quickly by a local paediatrician rather than after a journey. If your family is visiting Türkiye for another reason, a paediatric consultation can confirm the diagnosis and reassure you, nothing more is needed.

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