From the Research
Growing pains are a common, benign condition in children that can be effectively managed with symptomatic care, including massage, heat application, and over-the-counter pain relievers, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2022 1. To manage growing pains, I recommend a combination of gentle massage, heat application, and over-the-counter pain relievers when needed.
- Massage the affected muscles for 5-10 minutes
- Apply a warm compress for 15-20 minutes before bedtime to help relieve discomfort
- Stretching exercises during the day may also prevent nighttime pain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can be given at age-appropriate doses:
- For acetaminophen, 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours
- For ibuprofen, 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, as suggested by previous studies 2, 3. Despite their name, growing pains aren't actually caused by growth but likely result from the physical activities children engage in during the day. These pains typically affect children ages 3-12, occur in both legs, appear in the evening, and don't cause limping or persistent pain. If pain occurs during the day, affects only one leg, causes limping, or is accompanied by fever, redness, or swelling, consult a healthcare provider as these symptoms suggest a different condition. The diagnosis of growing pains is often based on clinical presentation, and laboratory and radiographic evaluation are not needed when the history is classic and physical examination is normal, as noted in a study from 2017 2. However, a more recent study from 2022 highlights the lack of clarity in the medical research literature regarding what defines growing pain, emphasizing the need for caution and thorough evaluation in clinical practice 1.