What’s Normal When It Comes to Growing Pains
And when to ask your pediatrician . . .
Your child’s growth is one of the most exciting parts of parenting. Consider those pencil marks on the wall charting new heights, the outgrown shoes, and the sudden increase in appetite. Growth often comes with something less welcome, growing pains. As children hit growth spurts, many parents start asking the same questions, Is this normal? Should they be in this much pain? When should I call the pediatrician?
In this blog, we’ll explore what to expect during growth spurts, what growing pains really are, and how to know when it’s time to seek medical advice.
Understanding Growth Spurts
Growth doesn’t happen evenly. Children grow in spurts, often accompanied by noticeable physical and behavioral changes. These spurts are typically associated with:
- Increased appetite
- More sleep (or fatigue)
- Heightened emotional sensitivity
- New physical skills or clumsiness
Typical growth spurt ages:
- Infants – Around 7–10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months
- Toddlers – Between ages 1–3, with steady increases in height and weight
- Children – Growth slows between ages 4–10 but remains steady
- Preteens and teens – A rapid surge in height and weight (puberty)
Puberty usually starts around ages 8–13 in girls and 10–15 in boys. Most teens will grow 2–4 inches per year during this time, with boys often experiencing their biggest growth spurts between 13–15.
What Are Growing Pains?
“Growing pains” is a term used to describe achy or throbbing sensations children feel, typically in their legs (thighs, calves, or behind the knees). These pains often:
- Occur in the late afternoon or evening
- Wake children at night
- Are gone by morning
- Affect both legs
- Are not associated with swelling, redness, or joint pain
Growing pains are most common in children ages 3–12, especially during periods of rapid growth. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, many doctors believe they are related to increased physical activity and the stretching of muscles and tendons during growth spurt, not growth of bones themselves.
How to Help at Home
If your child is experiencing growing pains, there are several ways to help ease their discomfort:
1. Gentle Massage:
A calming leg massage can relax tight muscles and help your child fall back asleep.
2. Warm Compresses or Baths:
A heating pad or a warm bath before bedtime can soothe sore legs and calm nerves.
3. Stretching Exercises:
Simple stretches before bed may help reduce nighttime pain, especially if your child is very active during the day.
4. Comfort and Reassurance:
Let your child know growing pains are common and harmless. A calm explanation can be just as helpful as any physical remedy.
5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (if needed):
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help during more uncomfortable nights. Always use the correct dosage and check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure.
When to Call the Pediatrician
While growing pains are usually harmless, not all pain is “just growing pains.” Contact your pediatrician if your child’s symptoms include:
- Pain in only one leg
- Pain that persists during the day
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the joints
- Limping or reluctance to walk
- Fever, weight loss, or fatigue
- Pain associated with injury or trauma
- No improvement despite home remedies
These could be signs of other conditions, such as juvenile arthritis, infections, or injuries, and should be properly evaluated.
Your Pediatrician's Role
Your pediatrician is your partner in tracking your child’s growth and development. During wellness visits, they:
- Measure height and weight
- Monitor growth patterns
- Screen for developmental milestones
- Address any physical discomfort or abnormalities
If you’re ever unsure about your child’s pain or growth, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your pediatrician can distinguish between normal growing pains and something that may need further attention.
Growth spurts are a sign of healthy development, but they’re not always painless. Understanding what’s normal and how to manage growing pains can help you support your child through these important phases. Stay alert for signs that go beyond the typical and trust your instincts as a parent. When in doubt, reach out.
Because growing up shouldn’t be a mystery, it should be supported every step (and inch) of the way.
