What are the symptoms of growing pains in children and how to relieve them

Growing pains in children are not a disease and will not affect the growth and development of children, but children often cry out in pain in the middle of the night, which does cause a lot of trouble to parents. So what are the symptoms of growing pains in children and how to relieve them?

Causes of growing pains in children

Growing pains in children are a phenomenon that often occurs in children during their growth period (2 to 12 years old).

Children's bones grow rapidly, but their peripheral nerves and muscles develop relatively slowly, which causes pulling pain.

Symptoms of growing pains in children

Sudden onset of soreness or pain, which may cause crying or wake the patient up, but disappears quickly (usually within an hour).

The child cannot clearly point out the pain point, but can only say that it hurts here and there. This time it hurts the left foot, and next time it may hurt the right foot.

It usually happens at night. The next morning, the patient is fully recovered and can move normally.

How to judge children's growing pains

Ask about the patient's medical history. How long has the pain lasted since the first time? The longer it has been, the less you should worry. If it is caused by infection, cancer, rheumatism or other diseases, the painful limb will most likely have swelling, fever or muscle atrophy. If the limb pain has lasted for a long time and the appearance is normal, the possibility of it being caused by a disease is very small.

Ask about the characteristics of the pain. Is it rapid and severe, or is it gradual and continuous? Growing pains are usually rapid and severe.

Perform a physical examination to assess whether there is local inflammation or signs of chronic pain.

Blood draws and X-rays are usually unnecessary. If the doctor suspects something other than growing pains, he or she will proactively arrange for appropriate and effective tests.

What to do when your child has growing pains

Observe the painful area of ​​your child. Is it red, swollen, or has a higher body temperature than the other limb? Does it hurt more when you press on it? If so, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Observe whether your child has a fever when the pain occurs. Growing pains do not cause fever. If so, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

You can use massage, hot compress, ice compress, and ointment to help your child relieve pain and get through this short period of discomfort.