Growing pains are periodic, deep pains most often originating from thighs and knees but also from the feet and arms. The pains typically begin at bedtime or in the night where the child will wake and cry. An attack lasts 10 - 15 minutes. Growing pains occur in 15 - 25% of children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. Girls seem to be slightly more exposed to having these pains. There are two periods in which children are particularly exposed; at the age of 3 - 5 years and again at the age of 8 - 12 years. The pains can appear several nights in a row followed by periods without pains or other symptoms.
The growing pains can be strong, but they are not harmful and in time they will disappear. The diagnosis is made by excluding other causes. Growing pains always occur in both legs. If the pains are located to one side of the body only, it is not a case of growing pains. In cases where the Achilles tendon is a bit too short, it can produce pains resembling growing pains. Growing pains do neither cause swelling or reddening, nor rashes, and there is no soreness in the muscles during movement or when pressing on the muscles. If the pains continue in the morning, it is not growing pains either.
A theory about growing pains states that the pains originate from the muscles and tendons not being able to keep up with the growing bones to which they are attached. Another explanation is that the pains are the result of playing or doing sports in which the muscles are over-exerted.
A certain explanation for growing pains has not yet been established because a clear connection does not seem to exist between periods of rapid growth in children and an increased frequency of growing pains.
