Definition
Growth pains occur in the skeletal stretch phase, usually between the ages of 4 and 12 years. They present themselves as musculoskeletal pains, cramp-like sensations or soreness, usually located in the tibia, calves, thighs, vertebral column and, sometimes, arms.
Growth pains typically appear in the evening or during the first hours of sleep, never in the morning. The child complains of a sharp and sudden pain, which lasts from a few tens of minutes to a few hours, then vanishes quickly. This painful manifestation usually occurs for several consecutive nights and is gradually relieved as the days go by. In some cases, the pains are so intense that they awaken the child and make him cry, but they are never invalidating and leave no functional consequences or pain the next day.
The underlying causes of growing pains have not yet been fully clarified, however they seem to be associated with excessive muscular efforts (especially in particularly active children), physical or psychological trauma, infections or periods of intense stress.
The clinical examination is normal and the diagnosis is formulated by exclusion, after having considered all the possible pathologies that cause pain of the musculoskeletal system in the growth phase (eg bone problem, abnormal growth of the feet, orthopedic disorders, muscles or ligaments, etc.).
Medical evaluation is necessary if the pain involves a functional limitation or if it is accompanied by a swelling. Clinical tests are also indicated in the presence of fever and obvious skeletal changes (eg flat foot, valgus knee, dorsal kyphosis and scoliosis).
Possible Causes * of Growing Pains
- osteochondrosis
- Imperfect osteogenesis
- osteopetrosis
