Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Growing Pains

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Growing Pains

Growing pains are frequently described as an ache or throb in the legs—often in the front of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees.

Insight:

• Growing pains tend to affect both legs and occur at night and may even wake a child from sleep.
• Although these pains are called growing pains, there's no evidence that growth hurts. Growing pains may be linked to a lowered pain threshold or, in some cases, to psychological issues.
• There's no specific treatment for growing pains. You can make your child more comfortable by putting a warm heating pad on the sore muscles and massaging them.
• Symptoms include leg pain, throbbing and aching in the thighs, calves, and behind the knees.
• Growing pain is common in preschool and school-aged children.
• Diagnosis may include a physical exam and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays.
• Treatment can include a gentle massage in the area affected or use of a heating pad, as well as pain reliever medications and stretching exercises.

Sources:

Growing pains - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

growing pain image - Google Search