What are the symptoms of growing pains, and how long do they last?
Disease description:
My child is over 4 years old now and has recently been complaining of leg pain. I suspect it might be growing pains. Could you please tell me what symptoms are typical, and how long does it usually last?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Growing pain, also known as growth pain, is a common physiological phenomenon during children's growth and development. Its main symptoms include:
1. Nature of the pain: Pain primarily occurs in the lower limbs, especially in the calves, manifesting as intermittent aching or throbbing discomfort. The pain may extend to the groin area, but joints and bones typically show no signs of redness, swelling, or warmth.
2. Timing of the pain: Growth pains mostly occur at night. During the day, children are more active and their attention is easily distracted, so the pain may not be noticeable. However, in the quieter nighttime environment, children tend to focus more on bodily sensations, making the pain feel more pronounced.
3. Duration: The duration of growth pains varies among individuals. Generally, each episode lasts about 30 minutes to one hour, occurring from several times a day up to over ten times daily. However, if the pain progressively worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
