Growing pains

Most often, tests aren't needed to find out if a child has growing pains. In some cases, though, blood tests or X-rays are done to find out if a different problem is the cause of your child's symptoms. Not all types of leg pain in children are growing pains. Sometimes, leg pain may be caused by health conditions that can be treated.

There's no specific treatment for growing pains. The good news is that they don't cause other problems, and they don't affect growth. The symptoms often get better on their own within a year or two.

If your child's growing pains may be related to foot issues or to highly flexible joints, the healthcare team may recommend physical therapy or shoe inserts called orthotics. If tests find that your child is low on vitamin D, the care team may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements.

You can help ease your child's growing pains with these home remedies:

• Rub your child's legs. Children often respond to gentle massage. Others feel better when they're held or cuddled.
• Use a heating pad. Heat can help soothe sore muscles. Use a heating pad on a low setting before bedtime or when your child complains of leg pain. Remove the heating pad once your child falls asleep. A warm bath before bedtime may help too.
• Try a pain reliever. Offer your child ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not give aspirin. A rare but serious condition called Reye's disease is linked with giving aspirin to children.
• Stretching exercises. Stretching the muscles in the legs during the day may help prevent pain at night. Ask a member of your child's healthcare team which stretches might help.

Most children who have growing pains will not need to see a healthcare professional. But talk with your healthcare professional if the pain is ongoing or unusual.

What you can do

Before the checkup, write a list that answers the following questions:

• Where in the body does the pain occur, and how bad is it? Does it cause your child to cry?
• When did the pain start happening? And is there a certain time of day when it usually occurs?
• When the pain happens, is your child usually also upset about other issues?
• How long does the pain last?
• What, if anything, helps it get better?
• Does the pain wake your child up at night or make it hard to fall asleep?
• Has your child had any other symptoms, such as swelling, belly pain or headaches?
• Has your child recently started a new sport or type of physical activity?

What to expect from your doctor

During the exam, your child's healthcare professional likely will ask questions about your child's symptoms and activities. Your child's bones and muscles will likely be checked for signs of tenderness.