Growing pains in legs can be part of a child’s growth. But the name is misleading, because we don’t know that the cause is actually growth. Usually this pain is limited and is not alarming. But sometimes children will experience symptoms that should make you consider professional advice.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Growing Pains in Legs
The typical growing pains in legs are throbbing. They can present in the thighs, behind the knees and over the shins. The pain is usually in both legs. Pain in one leg is not typical of this condition. If there is pain in one leg, think of other reasons.
In any case, the symptoms of growing pains in legs should not interfere with normal activity. True, these pains usually happen at night. In fact, they are a reason for night leg pain in children. And sometimes they can even awake the child. But don’t miss warning signs.
Pain that is in one leg, in the joints, severe, interferes with activity, or lingers into the day is not normal. Seek medical attention for any of these.
Don’t Miss Cancer Leg Pain
One of the most dreaded reasons for leg pain in children is bone cancer. The cancer can be a primary bone cancer such as Ewing’s sarcoma. Or, it can be a problem with the bone marrow. Obviously, cancer leg pain is very different from pain that is part of normal growth.
Pain from a bone cancer will usually be in one leg. But pain from bone marrow can be in both legs. So you have to pay attention to other warning signs, such as severe pain, pain that is bad enough to interfere with normal activity, and pain that does not resolve during the day.
Osgood-Schlatter and Growing Pains in Legs are Different
Osgood-Schlatter syndrome is pain over the front of the knee or shin. Similar to pain that is part of growth, Osgood-Schlatter is also typical in adolescence. This condition is more typical of boys.
The cause is inflammation. The ligament that holds the kneecap to the shin bone is attached at a spot called the tibial tubercle. Constant traction on that location will cause the inflammation. The professional term for this is “apophysitis“. The inflammation is likely a result of activity. Osgood-Schlatter pain is more prevalent with activity such as running and jumping. If you palpate the top of the shin, you should be able to feel a tender bump. That is where the ligament connects to the shin.
The way to make the diagnosis is by hearing the typical story, palpating the bump and sometimes obtaining an x-ray of the knee. An x-ray is also great because it can rule out some other causes if you are suspicious of those.
Treatment is usually with altering activity. Surgery is rarely done.
As an aside, it was described in 1903 by two separate people, RB Osgood in Boston and Carl Bernhard Schlatter in Switzerland. So now we use their names to describe this condition in their honor.
Arthritis will cause Pain Inside and Around Joints
Pain in the joints is never normal. Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. In this condition, a joint or several joints will be painful and there might be swelling and redness. These symptoms are never part of growing pains in legs. Never ignore arthritis.
About Author
Pingback: Leg Pain: 8 Questions to ask, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment