Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Growing Pains (Child) - Guidance

Audience: adult

Growing pains are common, harmless aches that many children experience, usually in the legs during the late afternoon or evening. They often occur in children aged 3 to 12 years and tend to improve with rest and gentle massage. While growing pains are generally not serious, it is important for adults to recognize when symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. This guide helps caregivers understand when to seek in-person medical care for a child with leg pain. Telemedicine can provide helpful advice and support for typical growing pains, but certain warning signs require prompt evaluation in person. Always watch for unusual symptoms such as persistent pain during the day, swelling, fever, or difficulty walking. Early recognition of these red flags helps ensure the child receives the right care quickly and safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Pain that is constant or worsens during the day — seek in-person medical evaluation promptly.
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness in the leg — requires urgent medical attention.
• Fever, chills, limping, or inability to walk — immediate in-person care needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about typical growing pains
• Assessing symptoms through history and visual observation
• Advising on home care and pain relief measures
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing serious conditions that mimic growing pains
• Treating injuries or infections
• Managing severe or worsening symptoms requiring emergency care

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are common, non-serious aches that usually affect children’s legs. They often happen in the late afternoon or evening and may cause discomfort or mild pain. These pains usually do not affect the child’s ability to walk or play during the day and often improve with rest or gentle massage.

Common Symptoms of Growing Pains

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When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition and require prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider in person:

If any of these signs appear, seek medical care promptly.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide guidance on managing typical growing pains, offer reassurance, and help caregivers decide if in-person care is needed. A healthcare provider can assess symptoms, review medical history, and suggest home care measures during a virtual visit. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or diagnostic tests, so some situations require in-person evaluation.

Home Care Tips for Growing Pains

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Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider regarding treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the child’s age and general health status.
• Observe and record details about the pain: timing, location, severity, and triggers.
• Check for any swelling, redness, or warmth in the legs.
• Note any accompanying symptoms such as fever, limping, or difficulty walking.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss during the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations for home care and symptom monitoring.
• Schedule in-person follow-up if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes or new signs.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop after the tele-visit.
• Maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider as needed.

FAQs

What causes growing pains in children?

Growing pains are not fully understood but are thought to be related to normal muscle fatigue or overuse during growth. They are not caused by bone growth itself or serious illness.

Can growing pains harm my child?

Growing pains are harmless and typically go away as the child grows older. They do not cause long-term damage or affect a child’s development.

How can I help my child feel better?

Comfort measures like gentle massage, warm baths, and rest often help. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used if recommended by a healthcare provider.

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

Seek medical care if the pain is constant, worsens during the day, is accompanied by swelling, redness, fever, limping, or if the child cannot walk or bear weight.

Can telemedicine diagnose growing pains?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and provide guidance but cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to rule out other conditions.

Sources

1. Growing Pains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Growing Pains in Children — Mayo Clinic.
3. Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Growing Pains: A Review — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has concerning symptoms or worsening pain, seek evaluation by a healthcare provider in person promptly.