It was a regular Tuesday evening. I was at home, finally unwinding after a busy day, sipping on some warm tea. Just as I started to feel comfortable, my phone buzzed. It was my friend, Neha. There was a sense of urgency in her voice, mixed with worry. “Priya, could you come over? Aarav’s been crying non-stop about his legs hurting. I don’t know if it’s serious, and I need your help.”
Of course, I couldn’t say no. I grabbed my coat and was out the door in minutes. When I arrived at Neha’s place, Aarav was curled up on the couch, his face flushed and his mother beside him, rubbing his legs.
I gave Neha a hug and kneeled down next to Aarav. “Hey, champ. What’s bothering you?” I asked gently.
Aarav, through sobs, pointed to his legs. “They hurt here… and here…” he said, indicating his knees and the front of his shins. I knew immediately that this could be a typical case of what many parents come to me about—growing pains.
What Are Growing Pains?
I looked at Neha and gave her a reassuring smile. “Neha, these seem like growing pains, which sound much worse than they really are.” I explained. “Growing pains are just a term we use to describe those vague aches kids sometimes feel in their legs. It’s not something serious, and there’s nothing wrong with his bones or muscles. These pains are actually quite common in children between the ages of 3 to 7, and occasionally, they can occur in older kids too.”
Neha sighed in relief, and her expression softened, though I could still see some worry in her eyes. “But Priya, why do they happen?”
Who Gets Growing Pains and Why?
“Well,” I continued, “no one is entirely sure what causes them. There isn’t any damage or inflammation involved, and it’s certainly not due to any injury. But there’s a possibility that all the running, jumping, and playing that Aarav does during the day can cause his muscles to get tired, which then leads to these nighttime aches.”
Aarav’s eyes were wide, clearly trying to understand. “So… it’s because I played too much?” he asked.
I smiled, ruffling his hair. “Not exactly, Aarav. You should play as much as you want. This is just your body’s way of telling you that it’s been working really hard. It’s actually quite common—about one out of every four kids your age goes through this at some point.”
Features of Growing Pains: What Should You Look Out For?
I turned to Neha. “Here’s what typically happens. Growing pains often start in the late evening, sometimes just before bedtime. They usually occur in the legs—most commonly in the front of the thighs, the calves, and the area behind the knees. What’s important is that these pains tend to resolve by the morning.”
Neha nodded. “So, if they only happen at night and there’s no swelling, redness, or fever, it’s probably just growing pains?”
“Exactly,” I said, happy that she was beginning to feel more comfortable with the situation. “There are no other symptoms like fever or swelling. Aarav will be just fine by morning. It’s distressing while it lasts, but the good news is that it’s harmless.”
How Can Growing Pains Be Managed?
But what can I do to help him?” Neha asked, her eyes reflecting the helplessness all parents feel when their child is in pain.
1. Reassurance
“Firstly, a lot of it is just reassuring Aarav. Let him know that while it hurts now, it’s not something dangerous, and it will get better. A gentle massage can work wonders too—sometimes all a child needs is some extra comfort and attention.
I demonstrated by gently rubbing Aarav’s shins. Aarav seemed to calm down a bit, his eyes closing as the gentle pressure worked to soothe him.
2. Heat Packs
“Some parents also find that applying a warm heat pack can help. Just make sure it’s not too hot. The warmth can relax the muscles, providing a bit of relief.”
Neha nodded thoughtfully. “I think I have a heat pack somewhere. I’ll try that next time.”
3. Pain Relief
“If the pain is really troubling him, you can also give a mild pain reliever, like paracetamol,” I added. “But honestly, the pains often disappear even before the medication kicks in. It’s more about keeping him comfortable.”
Improvised Treatments That Might Help
Neha smiled, looking visibly calmer. “You know, I’ve tried everything—rubbing his legs, singing to him, even a warm bath once. It’s just tough seeing him in pain.”
I nodded empathetically. “I understand, Neha. And you’re doing all the right things. Growing pains can be tough because there isn’t a set treatment that works for everyone. It’s more about finding what soothes Aarav—whether it’s massage, a warm bath, or just cuddling him until he drifts off.”
Why Do Growing Pains Happen After Active Days?
Neha looked puzzled for a moment. “It’s interesting, though. I noticed that these pains seem to happen on days when Aarav’s been extra active, like when he has soccer practice or after a day out in the park. Could that be why?”
I nodded. “Absolutely. It’s been observed that children who have particularly active days are more likely to experience these pains at night. The extra activity might be causing Aarav’s muscles to tire more easily, leading to the aches when he’s resting.
Aarav gave a small yawn, and Neha laughed. “Okay, champ. I think it’s bedtime for you.”
The Outlook: When Will Growing Pains Stop?
As I stood up to leave, Neha walked me to the door. “Priya, how long do you think this will last? Will he always have these pains?”
I shook my head. “No, Neha. Thankfully, growing pains don’t last forever. They can come and go for a few months or even years, but they often disappear by late childhood. By the time Aarav is older, he probably won’t even remember having them.”
Key Points for Parents of Kids with Growing Pains
Before leaving, I summarized a few key points for Neha to remember:
- Growing pains are common and affect up to 25% of children.
- The pain is usually diffuse and mostly affects the thighs, shins, and behind the knees.
- No swelling, redness, or other alarming symptoms are present with growing pains.
- Gentle massage, reassurance, or a warm pack can help provide relief.
- The pains will stop eventually, usually by late childhood.
Neha smiled, visibly more relaxed now. “Thank you, Priya. This has been really helpful.”
I patted her arm. “You’re doing a wonderful job, Neha. Just be there for Aarav like you always are, and remember, it’s all part of growing up.”
As I left, I felt a sense of satisfaction. Watching parents learn about these normal, albeit troubling experiences, and seeing their fears eased—there’s nothing more rewarding.
FAQs About Growing Pains
1. Are growing pains a sign of a serious condition?
No, growing pains are harmless and not related to any underlying serious condition. They are just part of the growing process in some children.
2. Should I be worried if my child has leg pain?
If the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, fever, or persistent limping, it’s best to consult a doctor. However, typical growing pains do not have these symptoms.
3. When should I consult a doctor?
If your child has pain that doesn’t go away in the morning, or if there are other symptoms like fever or joint swelling, you should see a healthcare professional.
4. Can growing pains be prevented?
There isn’t a surefire way to prevent growing pains, but ensuring your child has adequate rest after an active day can help. Massage and gentle stretching may also reduce the occurrence.
5. Do growing pains affect both legs or just one?
Growing pains typically affect both legs, though one side may hurt more at times. The pain often moves around and is not limited to just one area.
With a gentle wave, I bid them goodbye, knowing Aarav would feel better with Neha’s comfort and a little understanding of what his body was going through. Growing pains may sound challenging, but with the right knowledge, parents can handle them like any other part of raising a happy, healthy child.