Growing pains - Definition and Overview

Growing pains is a term used to describe certain physiological symptoms common in children.

Growing pains typically occur in two periods during a child's life, firstly, between about 3 and 5 years old, then later in 8 to 12 year olds. The symptoms are of general aches and pains, usually in the limbs (mostly the legs). Generally, they are diagnosed only by excluding any other more serious causes.

Though the pain is often clear, there is very little actual evidence that the rapid growth of bones should cause pain. It is likely, therefore, that the pain arises from the general activities of the child at these ages, that is, running, jumping and falling over. Growing pains tend to strike at night time, adding further weight to this hypothesis. Also, children complaining of growing pains often respond well to cuddling and affection, which contrasts with the reaction of children with more serious illnesses who tend to shun contact since handling often increases the pain.

External link

• Information on diagnosis and treatment (http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/growing_pains.html)
• Bones grow most at night time (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4215003.stm)

There was also an ABC sitcom called Growing Pains.