Growing Pains: How to Help

It’s the middle of the night, and your child wakes up once again complaining of leg pain. It’s the third time this week, and naturally, your mind begins to race—could this be something serious? While it’s always important to be attentive to your child’s symptoms, in many cases, this kind of discomfort may be due to something quite common and harmless: growing pains.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are a common cause of leg discomfort in children, usually described as a dull, throbbing ache in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees. They tend to affect both legs and often show up in the late afternoon or evening. In many cases, the discomfort is strong enough to wake a child from sleep.

Interestingly, despite their name, there’s no scientific proof that these pains are directly linked to bone growth. Instead, some experts believe they may be related to muscular strain from everyday play.

How Can You Help at Home?

Although growing pains are not dangerous, the discomfort is very real for your child. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help relieve the symptoms:

• Gentle massage can soothe tired muscles.
• Warm compresses or heating pads applied to the legs often provide comfort.
• Stretching exercises before bedtime may help reduce the frequency of nighttime pain.
• Distraction with a favorite book, toy, or calm activity can ease anxiety.
• Over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used if needed (be sure to give ibuprofen with food or milk to avoid stomach upset and never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye syndrome).

When to Call the Doctor

Growing pains are usually short-lived and do not affect a child’s joints. If your child experiences joint swelling, morning stiffness, or pain that lingers throughout the day, it’s time to consult your pediatrician. Other warning signs include fever, rash, limping, fatigue, or changes in appetite.