How to prepare for a video visit about Growing Pains (Child) - Guidance

Audience: adult

Growing pains are common, often harmless aches that many children experience, usually in the legs during the evening or night. These pains typically do not indicate a serious problem but can cause discomfort and worry for both children and their caregivers. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child's symptoms, rule out other causes, and get advice on how to ease the pain at home. Preparing well for the video visit helps make the most of the time with the provider. This guide offers clear steps to get ready, what to expect during the visit, and signs that need urgent in-person care. Remember, telemedicine can support education and guidance but is not a substitute for emergency or detailed physical examinations when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has swelling, redness, or warmth in a leg — seek urgent medical care.
• Child has fever along with leg pain — get immediate evaluation.
• Child is limping or unable to walk due to pain — seek prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history related to growing pains.
• Providing education on typical growing pains and home care advice.
• Assessing visible signs via video for common non-serious conditions.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination or diagnostic tests.
• Diagnosing serious underlying causes that require imaging or lab work.
• Managing emergencies or severe acute symptoms in real time.

What are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are common, often harmless aches that children usually feel in their legs, especially in the evening or at night. They do not cause physical signs like swelling or redness and usually go away on their own. The exact cause is unknown but may relate to normal growth or muscle fatigue.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, note when and where your child feels pain, how long it lasts, and what seems to help or worsen it. Have your child's medical history ready, including any recent injuries or illnesses. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work well, and find a quiet, well-lit place for the call. Prepare to show the child's legs if asked during the visit.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, daily activities, and any other health concerns. They may guide you to show the painful areas and observe your child's movements. Based on this, they will provide advice, reassurance, and possibly recommend treatments or further tests if needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has swelling, redness, fever, limping, severe pain that does not improve, or pain in only one leg, seek urgent in-person medical care. These signs could indicate a more serious condition that needs prompt evaluation.

Managing Growing Pains at Home

Comfort measures often help, such as gentle leg massages, warm baths, or using a heating pad. Encouraging regular physical activity and good sleep habits may reduce pain episodes. Over-the-counter pain relievers might be recommended by your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down details about your child's pain: when it occurs, location, duration, and triggers.
• Prepare your child's medical history and any recent health changes.
• Test your device’s camera, microphone, and internet connection before the visit.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit place for the video call.
• Have a way to show the child's legs clearly on camera if needed.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations for home care and pain relief.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or new signs.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised or if symptoms persist.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop after the visit.
• Keep a record of any treatments or medications given for future reference.

FAQs

What are growing pains and are they harmful?

Growing pains are common, mild aches in a child's legs, usually occurring in the evening or night. They are generally harmless and do not indicate serious health issues.

Can growing pains be treated during a video visit?

Yes, a healthcare provider can offer advice on managing growing pains at home during a video visit, including comfort measures and when to seek further care.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has swelling, redness, fever, limping, severe pain, or pain in only one leg, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are growing pains related to actual bone growth?

The exact cause of growing pains is unclear, and they are not directly caused by bone growth. They may be linked to muscle fatigue or normal activity.

Can pain relievers be used for growing pains?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, but always follow the healthcare provider's advice on dosing and use.

Sources

1. Growing Pains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Growing Pains in Children — Mayo Clinic.
3. Growing Pains in Children: What You Should Know — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Growing Pains: Overview and Management — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.