Are growing pains a myth?

BACKGROUND

'Growing pains' are the commonest musculoskeletal problem of children.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the current understanding and provides a practical approach to diagnosis and management of growing pains.

DISCUSSION

Growing pains is an accepted medical term, though the pains are not due to growing. The typical case of growing pains occurs in a healthy, clinically normal, young child, in the middle of the night, causing intense pain for 10 to 15 minutes in both legs (knees, thighs, calves or shins). Management is simple analgesic measures for the child, and reassurance for the parents that a serious condition is not present.