$Unique_ID{BRK00568}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There any Treatment for "Growing Pains"?}
$Subject{growing pains causes child care Musculoskeletal bones bone leg legs
emotional growth disturbances}
$Volume{S-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There any Treatment for "Growing Pains"?


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QUESTION:  My daughter, now 11 years old, has complained constantly about
pains in her legs over the past several months.  I have taken her to the
doctor who gave her a complete examination, including x-rays and blood tests,
but could find nothing.  He finally described the problem as "growing pains".
Is there any treatment for this or may I hope that it will disappear by itself
as she grows older?

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ANSWER:  It appears as though your doctor has given this problem the attention
it deserves, for the diagnosis of "growing pains" is only made when the other
possible reasons for the complaint have been investigated and no evidence of
any of the other causes for pain could be found.  The term is used for a
condition of benign, recurrent limb pain that may be the complaint of young
children, boys or girls, and probably has nothing to do with the actual
physical process of growing up.  The pains may come on at any time, but seem
to occur most frequently in the evening or at night.  Usually they are located
in the thighs or calves, and the pains leave after an hour or two.  The
children are otherwise healthy, and the laboratory test as well as x-rays are
always normal.  Frequently there is a history of similar experiences during
childhood in other members of the family.  Some experts in this area believe
that this process is due to the emotional growth of the children, and warn
that evidence of emotional disturbances may be common.  I believe you must
continue to support your daughter in an understanding and open manner,
continue to watch her closely, and react if other symptoms appear.  The most
likely course is that the complaints and the pains will all disappear in time,
with no lasting health affects remaining.  Use a lot of love and a little
patience; they are great medicines for any situation in young, growing
children.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.