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

Audience: pediatric

Growing pains are common aches or discomfort in the legs of children, often occurring in the evening or at night. These pains usually do not signal serious health problems and tend to improve with simple home care. Preparing for a video visit about growing pains can help you and your child get the most from the appointment. During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. They may guide you on how to manage the pain and when to seek further care. Remember, telemedicine can provide valuable advice but cannot replace in-person exams when needed. If your child shows certain warning signs, seek medical attention promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has swelling, redness, or warmth in the painful area.
• Pain causes limping or difficulty walking.
• Child has fever or other signs of illness along with pain.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and pain patterns.
• Providing advice on home care and pain management.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination to assess swelling or joint problems.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests or blood work.
• Diagnosing conditions that require hands-on evaluation.

What are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are common, often harmless aches that many children experience, usually in the legs. They typically happen in the late afternoon or evening and may wake a child from sleep. These pains do not cause limping or lasting problems and often improve with rest and gentle massage.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, note when the pain occurs, how long it lasts, and how severe it is. Be ready to describe your child's daily activities, any recent injuries, and other symptoms like fever or swelling. Have a quiet, well-lit space for the visit and a device with a working camera and microphone.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's pain and overall health. They may observe your child moving or ask you to show the affected areas. The provider will offer advice on managing the pain and may suggest follow-up steps if needed.

Managing Growing Pains at Home

Simple treatments often help, such as gentle leg massages, warm baths, and using a heating pad on low. Encouraging regular physical activity during the day and ensuring good sleep habits can also be beneficial. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended, but always follow provider guidance.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has persistent pain during the day, swelling, redness, limping, fever, or pain in joints other than legs, an in-person evaluation is important. These signs may indicate other conditions that need medical attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video visit.
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone work properly.
• Prepare notes on your child’s pain timing, severity, and triggers.
• Have your child nearby and ready to show movements or affected areas.
• List any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s advice on home care and pain relief.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of any treatments used and their effects.

FAQs

What causes growing pains in children?

Growing pains are not fully understood but are thought to be related to normal muscle fatigue from daily activities and growth. They are not caused by bone growth or serious illness.

Can growing pains harm my child’s health?

No, growing pains are generally harmless and do not cause long-term problems. They usually improve as the child grows older.

When should I worry about my child’s leg pain?

If the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, limping, fever, or occurs during the day and limits activity, you should seek medical evaluation promptly.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

Try gentle leg massages, warm baths, and using a heating pad on a low setting. Encourage regular physical activity and good sleep habits. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used with provider guidance.

Can a video visit replace an in-person exam for growing pains?

Video visits are helpful for initial advice and guidance but cannot replace a physical exam when signs suggest a more serious problem. Your provider will advise if an in-person visit is needed.

Sources

1. Growing Pains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Growing Pains in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Growing Pains: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Musculoskeletal Pain in Children — National Library of Medicine.

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