Growing Pains...? or Is It a REAL Problem?

Updated on February 26, 2009
J.W. asks from Pleasant Grove, UT
7 answers

My 6year old son has been complaining about a pain in his Rleg-- It started at the ankle.. then the mid calf now its at the knee... I'm starting to get worried. Its painful enough for him that when i message it, he looks like he is in a lot of pain. I've been told by many people(His doctor as well.) that these could be growing pains and that growing pains are pretty painful... He has been growing alot, but.. I'm worried that it might be something more. Any ideas??

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for the wonderful responses. I have decided to try going to Good Earth for some Calcium product.
I think he could use some more in his diet. We've also given him some Ibuprofein during the pain and it really seems to help him sleep. I wanted to thank you all for the wonderful responses-- You each gave me wonderful advice.. but most of all I felt like there was someone to questions to. Thank you!~J&J

More Answers

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C.L.

answers from Provo on

My older brother had really bad growing pains in his legs and would frequently have to take Tylenol for it.

I've seen it suggested that growing pains like that are partially caused by lack of potassium and that eating a banana before bedtime was helpful.

I wish I had more information for you. Good luck!

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M.M.

answers from Provo on

My two year old had similar pains in his legs. He is growing really fast also. At his age growing pains aren't common. So we took him to the doctor and had his legs x-rayed. The x-rays came back normal. So, my doctor gave me this advice. If the pain goes away after a night of sleep, it is probably growning pains. Or, if the pain goes away with tylenol or Motrin then it probably is growing pains. But, however if nothing helps, take your son to the doctor and have them do x-rays, because there are several diseases that also cause leg pain. I hope this helps. M.

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

My son is 14 years old and he has had growing pains so bad that he just stayed in bed. He has lots of stretch marks. The pains are extremely painful. My daughter grew 5 inches in one summer and she was in a lot of pain. Is your family tall? My husband and I are not extremely tall, but my dad and my brother are very tall and my kids are both bigger than I am. My son is still growing but not as fast. I wouldn't worry about it right now.

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J.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

O--I am sorry! This is awful! Both of our sons went through this and it made for some long nights. Here is what we did: Tylenol, whatever dose they can have. The hot pad. Leg rubs with lotion. We even used things like icy hot sometimes, mixed with the lotion. We lived through it, and sometimes just knowing you're feeling their pain helps them....Good Luck!

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E.W.

answers from Provo on

This is a totally legit pain complaint. My sons have also complained of leg pain (over the years!) and my husband remembers having that pain when he was growing up. If he thinks it's bad now, wait till the middle school growth spurt! My 7th grader has grown at least 5 inches this year but now knows what the aching is, so he only complains out loud if it interferes with playing sports or being able to sleep. Good luck--and keep his calcium consumption up!

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C.W.

answers from Provo on

I think I would take him to another doctor. a second opinion never hurts. I think a doctor should take a parent more seriously than yours did. A pediatrician or a orthopedist might be more helpful.

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S.S.

answers from Provo on

Hi, J.. I'm in Provo, FYI. He is at a growing age. If you're really worried about rheumatoid arthritis, just see your pediatrician. It truly sounds like growing pains. My son was miserable with that pain for 3-4 years, and then we found a wonderful calcium product called Nature's Life Calcium, Magnesium and phosphorus liquid. It comes in a quart bottle and lasts forever. I got it at Good Earth.

I would hold Jake with my hands on his knees (after I wrapped them in socks), and we'd cuddle on the couch. It was a wonderful, sleepy time, but we'd have some mighty good talks during that time. Within 20 minutes, the cramping would stop and I'd tuck him back into bed. The times between get longer, and then kids learn to handle the pain, or give some ibuprofen.
Good luck!

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