Learn what causes these aches and what to do if your child has them.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hey doc, why do children have growing pains?
When kids complain about growing pains, they’re not telling tall tales. These aches are real. But they probably don’t have anything to do with growing.
Growing pains are aches kids get in the muscles of their legs – usually in the front of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. The pain occurs in both legs at the same time.
It usually starts in the late afternoon or early evening. It can even wake kids up from sleep. But by the next morning – it’s gone.
We’re not exactly sure what causes these muscle aches, but they’re likely due to strenuous activities such as running, climbing, and jumping, which can overtax a child’s body.
If your child complains of growing pains, try placing a heating pad on the sore spot. Just keep it at warm, not hot, so you don’t burn the skin.
A gentle massage of the affected area may also help.
Another option is an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But first check the label to make sure that the dose is right for your child’s age and weight.
Never give kids aspirin, because it can increase the risk for a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Leg stretches are another good way to keep leg muscles limber and prevent soreness. Have your child do a few gentle stretches each night around bedtime.
Most of the time, growing pains are harmless. But if the pain is really severe, or you notice other symptoms, like a fever, redness and swelling of the leg, a rash, or a limp, see your health care provider and have it checked out.
If the problem is just growing pains, don’t worry—your kids should grow out of them almost as quickly as they grow out of their clothes.