How to Ease Growing Pains

Last Updated: December 23, 2021 References

Growing pains are muscle pains that children may experience in their legs, typically in the fronts of their thighs, backs of their calves, and their knees ^{[1]
X
Research source} . While this condition isn't very common, it can be quite painful and uncomfortable. This article will show you how to ease the pain you might be experiencing.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Identifying the Causes

Growing pains are caused by muscle aches, usually due to intense activities throughout the day. However, you may be experiencing them due to your growing legs.
Growing pains affect children ages 3-12 ^{[2]
X
Research source} . If you are older than twelve and are still experiencing pain in your legs, talk to a doctor.

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3

See if anyone in your family has a history of growing pains. A study conducted found that growing pains can be genetic ^{[3]
X
Research source} . It is likely that the intensity and frequency of these pains are caused by previous family history.
Studies have shown that children who experience growing pains typically have higher pain sensitivity. If you are known to have a higher pain sensitivity, this is probably what is increasing the pain. If you are usually good at managing your pain, talk to a doctor.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Identifying the Symptoms

Growing pains are located in the legs, typically around the knees and up ^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} . If you are experiencing discomfort other than in the legs, consult a doctor.
Growing pains usually come in batches, and then disappear for a while. Intervals can vary from a few days to a few months. If it happens every day, talk to your doctor.
It isn't rare that you may experience stomachaches while having growing pains. You can use a warm compress on your stomach to help relieve the pain.
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Watch for headaches and hot flashes. Headaches are common side effects of growing pains, and a lot of pain can be overwhelming. Take headache relief and try to relax.
Growing pains usually occur at nighttime and last from anywhere between 10 minutes to a few hours ^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} . If you are experiencing pains in the morning, it is likely not growing pains.
Growing pains almost always occur in both legs. If you are experiencing pain only in one leg, it may be a more serious condition.

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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Treating Growing Pains

1
Massage the affected area. Putting pressure on the area may relieve some of the pain you may be experiencing.
- You could try self-massage, applying pressure where you feel the most pain, or asking someone else to massage the area for you.
2
Take painkillers. Growing pains do occur in the legs, but they also come with side effects that can occur in different parts of the body. Targeting all of these areas can help minimize your pain. Some painkillers that may be beneficial include ^{[6]
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Research source} ^{[7]
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Research source} ^{[8]
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Research source} ^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
Go to source} :
- Ibuprofen, such as Advil, NeoProfen, and Caldolor
  - For chewable tablets, the label will tell you how many milligrams are found in each tablet. Do not exceed the dosage or allow your child to exceed the dosage. ^{[10]
    X
    Trustworthy Source
    MedlinePlus
    Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
    Go to source}
  - For liquids, the label will tell you how many milligrams are found in 1 teaspoon. Do not exceed the dosage or allow your child to exceed the dosage.
  - For syrups, you usually need a syringe. It may come with the medicine, or you can ask your pharmacist. Make sure to clean it out after every usage.
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
- Naproxen
- Do not give a child aspirin.
3
Stretch your legs. Moving around and stretching out the painful areas will help reduce pain. Some leg stretches include:
- Lunges
- Hamstring stretching
- Thigh stretching
- Quadricep stretching
Localized applications of heat allow the blood vessels in the area to dilate, enhancing perfusion to the targeted tissue ^{[11]
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Research source} .
5
Seek a doctor if the pain will not go away. Persistent pain could indicate something other than growing pains, and it should be taken seriously. Your doctor may check bloodwork and X-rays to see if anything else is at play. If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact your doctor ^{[12]
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Research source} :
- Long-lasting pain
- Pain in the mornings
- Swelling and/or redness
- Fevers
- Limping
- Unusual rashes
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Unusual behavior
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Tips

While it is unlikely, it is possible that you will experience growing pains in your arms and back ^{[13]
X
Research source} .

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Always take your health into consideration and be cautious. If you suspect that there is an underlying condition, seek medical help.

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Warnings

Never exceed the dosage of painkiller prescribed by your doctor.

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How to Ease Growing Pains

Steps

Identifying the Causes

Identifying the Symptoms

Treating Growing Pains

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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