When growing up hurts

SABADELL"That's because you're growing." The people who told him that as a child when he complained of joint pain were probably right: growing up often hurts. "Growing pains exist and, in fact, are one of the most frequent causes of musculoskeletal pain in childhood," points out Dr. Anna Pujol Manresa, a rheumatologist in the pediatric department of the Germans Trias Hospital in Badalona and a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in the Can Ruti Campus teaching unit. "However, it's not directly related to bone growth," she clarifies.

Isn't the pain because you're growing?

Not exactly. "It's more of a term we use to group together a set of benign conditions that manifest as pain in the lower extremities, and it's believed that several factors can influence them, such as a genetic predisposition, joint hypermobility [more elastic joints], or a lower pain threshold," the pediatrician points out, taking the research into account.

Who does it affect? How, where, and when?

Children aged three to thirteen suffer most from leg pain, sometimes in both legs, sometimes alternating between one and the other; particularly in the shins, calves, or thighs. When does it occur? "These pain episodes are usually repetitive and appear mainly at the end of the day or during the night, especially after a day of intense physical activity. The frequency varies (from daily to weekly), and can alternate with weeks or even months without pain." Dr. Pujol emphasizes that the pain is "diffuse" and, although it can become intense, it doesn't prevent children from carrying out their usual activities such as walking, running, or playing. They can lead a normal life.

If it's mild, what can be done?

To relieve the pain, Anna Pujol advises applying local heat (a hot water bottle, a blanket) and gently massaging the affected area. "In addition, some studies suggest that gentle leg stretches before bedtime may help prevent and relieve episodes." If the discomfort persists or worsens, we can use pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

When should you consult a pediatrician?

These pains are generally "very common and benign," he emphasizes. However, in some atypical cases, a consultation will be necessary. "Cases in which the pain is unilateral or localized, persistent, and worsens over time; when it doesn't improve with the previously mentioned measures; if it interferes with daily activities; or if other symptoms appear, whether local (redness, swelling, or limping) or systemic (fever, fatigue). In these rare cases, blood tests or imaging studies will provide a definitive answer.

Can this pain be prevented?"

Anticipating them is difficult. "Since there is no single cause of growing pains, it's not possible to establish a specific strategy to completely prevent them," she explains. However, she recommends some practices that can help children prone to them reduce their intensity and frequency: "Engaging in regular but balanced physical activity, as regular movement helps keep muscles flexible." It's also important to avoid strenuous activity without breaks, and it's advisable to do leg stretches before bed, as this can help relieve muscle tension and prevent episodes.

If our child has these pains, should we worry?

"They are not related to any structural or functional damage," the doctor states. In fact, they usually lessen over time until they disappear completely in adolescence. "Although they can be intense and uncomfortable, it is not a serious condition and should not cause long-term concern," she concludes.