Lots of things get branded as “growing pains” but just because there is pain in a developing child does not always mean it's a real growing pain. You can certainly dismiss pain in a growing child as this. A true growing pain just happens during the night and never during the day. The pain is also in the upper calf muscle and behind the knee. If the discomfort takes place during the day and in another place than the rear of the leg and knee, then it's not really a true growing pain and is probably due to something different that should be looked into. Typically, it only occurs in younger children and awakens the kid during the night. There will be no history of trauma or any type of damage to the area that the pain happens in.
Growing pains are somewhat benign and self-limiting, in that they do come right after time. Nonetheless, they are often stressful to the child and parents at the time and, most importantly, there are a few serious and rare disorders that can have signs much like growing pains, therefore each case has to be taken seriously and investigated to eliminate the other possible causes. The consequences of neglecting these rare causes of similar symptoms can be significant.
The standard treatment for growing pains is simply reassurance of the child. They need to be comforted and helped to get back to sleep. Soothing massage or rubbing of the leg will usually be useful. In some instances medication can be used to help the pain and ease the getting back to sleep. Stretching before going to bed and when the pain happens can also be useful. Of most importance is education in regards to the nature of growing pains and that it will pass and an evaluation of those possible uncommon and serious causes of the discomfort.
