What is Growing Pains?
Children occasionally complain legs or pain around the lower half of the legs during the night. These sore and painful sensation typically occur in children aged 3+ however, they may be different for all children, some will experience such pains and some will not.
UNDERSTANDING GROWING PAIN
Overview
These are commonly described ‘growing pains’. There are a number of misunderstandings about growing pains, including that it is a sign of osteoarthritis or that it is caused by the growth plate.
At NoFrills Podiatry, we see three types of gout cases:
Femoral anteversion
Internal tibial torsion
Clubfoot
What causes growing pains?
While growth plates can be injured, they are not the cause of growing pains, as the growth plate itself does not cause pain to a patient unless in rare and serious scenarios. Some of the possible scenarios for commonly understood growing pains include:
As the child grows and bones become longer, the muscles are unable to catch up and are stretched, causing an aching or pulling pain
Pains occur mostly at night as there are fewer visual and sensory distractions around them, allowing them to focus on the pain that may have been previously suppressed or unnoticed
Overuse of the muscles during daytime activities such as running, jumping, and climbing
Misalignment syndrome including leg length difference, pelvic rotation or scoliosis cause overuse and rotational problems that result in secondary stress pain
Medical conditions where the periosteum of the bone or even the growth plate become irritated or inflamed
Diagnosis
Your podiatrist can usually diagnose growing pains by taking a thorough history and further examining your child clinically and dynamically. Diagnostic ultrasound and x-rays can be used to evaluate growth plate concerns but are rarely required for such cases.
What are the possible solutions available?
As your child’s discomfort can be due to a number of varying causes, you should see a healthcare professional, especially if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Your child is having a fever and bone pain
Unusual rashes over the joints or knuckles
Pain that worsens after sports or activities
Pain that never subsides
Swelling or pain only in one leg or joint
Depending on the child’s diagnosis, approaches may include the use customised orthotics to correct underlying musculoskeletal issues as well as specialised interventions to address less visible conditions.
What are the possible solutions available?
Caution and Appropriate Action:
Avoid treating discomfort with child aspirin, which can lead to serious complications.
Massaging or icing can provide relief, but persistent or worsening pain requires podiatric evaluation.
Do not dismiss complaints as mere "growing pains"; instead, address the underlying biomechanical and musculoskeletal factors causing discomfort.
Understanding and addressing children’s discomfort involve careful consideration of various factors, and seeking professional guidance ensures appropriate intervention tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Common Symptoms
Pain occurs in the thigh, back of the knee, shin or calf
Usually occurs in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes at night
Book your initial podiatry visit
hello@nofrillspodiatry.com
Phone
9007 1085
Open Hours
Mondays - Sundays: 9am-6pm
We're Here Whenever You Need Us
hello@nofrillspodiatry.com
Contact Us
9007 1085
Open Hours
Monday-Sundays: 10am to 7pm
Address
About
About Us
Symptoms We Help With
FAQs
Careers
Contact Us