Growing Pains
Mysterious aches are a normal part of childhood  

Diane Peters

“Ow! My legs hurt!” comes your seven-year-old’s cry in the night. “Growing pains again,” you mutter, as you stumble through the dark. But what are these strange aches that come, usually at night, and then just go away? Do they need special treatment or will a hot water bottle and a hug do the trick? Despite the confidently used name, no one really knows what growing pains are. They may be twinges in muscles caused by growing bones, or they could be aches from tired muscles after lots of activity. “Often parents will say that after a child was running around all day, her legs hurt that same night,” says Dr. Michelle Ponti, a pediatrician in London, Ont.

Illustration: Rachel Riordon / Threeinabox.com

Indeed, growing pains generally occur during the night, normally after a child has gone to sleep, and often the discomfort is enough to wake him up. These unpleasant sensations most commonly strike kids from ages four to eight, and females may be a little more susceptible, says Ponti—although the gender difference has not been conclusively proven. Some parents report growing pain–like discomfort in early adolescent kids around age 11 or 12. The soreness is rarely located in one particular place. “Often it’s very vague. They’ll be pointing all over their legs or calves. They usually don’t point to one spot,” Ponti says.

Frequently the pains come in clusters, appearing almost nightly for a few weeks, then disappearing. But if the pain comes repeatedly night after night, or if a child doesn’t want you to touch her legs, there may be a more serious problem.

Furthermore, if a youngster looks unwell, has a fever or is limping in the morning, it’s time to visit the doctor. These signs could indicate an injury such as a sprain or fracture, or perhaps a more serious underlying condition such as arthritis.

Typical growing pains, however, usually go away in about 20 minutes. For that reason, there’s little point in giving a child a painkiller, as the ache is gone by the time the drug kicks in. Most kids find a leg massage or a litle heat helps. And just sitting with her on the bed, cuddling and reading a book will kill time until the pain subsides. “Often reassurance is all kids need,” Ponti says.

While research continues into the mystery of growing pains, doctors do know one thing: they’re a normal part of childhood. At least a quarter of kids get them, and some get them often. Ponti suggests that you mention them to your doctor at your next visit. But remember, growing pains are not a big deal. “They come and they go away on their own, and nobody needs to worry about them,” she says.