Growing pains are muscle pains that some preschool children and teenagers feel in both legs. The pain usually occurs in the late afternoon or evening. But it may cause your baby to wake up in the middle of the night. Growing pains usually start in early childhood, around age 3 or 4, and start again in children between the ages of 8 and 12. There is no strong evidence that growing pains are related to growth spurts. Growing pains may be muscle soreness due to vigorous childhood activities that can wear out your child's muscles. These activities include running, jumping and climbing. Growing pains seem to be more common after a full day of exercise for a child. Some children have a lot of pain, others do not. Most children do not have pain every day. Growing pains may be experienced for months or even years. These pains are usually felt in the late afternoon and evening, just before dinner time and at bedtime. Leg pain may be enough to wake your child up. Growing pains in the morning go away. They usually do not interfere with a child's ability to exercise. Generally, growing pains are felt in both legs, especially in the front of the thigh, the back of the leg (shin), or the back of the knee. Children with growing pains are also more prone to headaches and stomachaches. Diagnosis: A pediatrician can usually diagnose growing pains by examining your child and asking questions about his or her medical history and symptoms. If your child has growing pains, the doctor will not see anything abnormal during the physical exam. Treatment: The following may reduce discomfort and help your child feel better: Massage the feet. Leg muscle stretching. This may be difficult for younger children. Placing a warm cloth or a heating pad on the pain area. Be careful not to burn the skin and do not use while sleeping. Pain in only one leg may be a sign of a more serious condition. If so, contact your doctor. It's also important to remember that growing pains affect the muscles, not the joints. And they do not cause lameness or fever.
Contact your child's doctor if leg pain appears with the following symptoms. They are not signs of growing pains, but your doctor should examine your child.
Fever
Loss of appetite
Lamping or difficulty walking
Pain in one leg
Skin rash
Red, warm, painful and swollen joints
fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss
Of course, if you have other concerns, contact your pediatrician.