Red flags & when to go in person for Growing Pains (Child) - Guidance

Audience: pediatric

Growing pains are common aches or discomfort children experience, usually in their legs. These pains often occur in the late afternoon or evening and may wake a child from sleep. Growing pains typically affect children aged 3 to 12 years and are usually harmless. They often come and go and do not cause lasting problems. However, it is important to watch for signs that may indicate a more serious condition. This guide helps families understand when to seek in-person medical care and what to expect from telemedicine consultations. While telemedicine can offer advice and support for typical growing pains, certain symptoms require a face-to-face evaluation to ensure your child's health and safety.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Pain that is severe or worsening over time — seek in-person evaluation promptly.
• Pain accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness — requires urgent medical attention.
• Fever, limping, or inability to walk — go to a healthcare facility immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about growing pains and reassurance.
• Recommending home care strategies like massage, stretching, and pain relief.
• Assessing symptom history and advising when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests.
• Treating severe or unexplained pain requiring urgent evaluation.
• Managing symptoms accompanied by systemic signs like fever or limping.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are common, mild aches that children often feel in their legs, especially in the calves, shins, or behind the knees. They usually happen in the late afternoon or evening and may wake a child from sleep. These pains are not caused by growth itself but are thought to be related to muscle fatigue or activity during the day.

When to Watch Closely

Most growing pains go away without treatment. However, if your child has pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical care. Pay attention if the pain is only in one leg, if there is swelling, redness, or warmth, or if your child has a fever or difficulty walking.

Using Telemedicine for Growing Pains

Telemedicine can help you discuss your child's symptoms with a healthcare provider from home. Providers can guide you on pain relief methods, activity adjustments, and when to seek further care. It is a convenient way to get advice quickly, especially if symptoms are mild and typical.

When to Go In Person

If your child shows any red flags such as swelling, fever, limping, or pain that does not improve, an in-person visit is important. A healthcare provider may need to perform a physical exam, order tests, or provide treatments that cannot be done remotely.

Managing Growing Pains at Home

Common ways to ease growing pains include gentle leg massages, warm baths, stretching exercises, and over-the-counter pain relief if appropriate. Encouraging regular physical activity and a balanced diet also supports overall health.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time, location, and description of your child's pain.
• Observe any other symptoms such as swelling, redness, fever, or limping.
• Have your child's medical history and any current medications ready.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure a quiet space with good internet connection for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and pain management.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags develop or symptoms persist.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during follow-up visits if needed.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have any new concerns after the tele-visit.

FAQs

What causes growing pains in children?

Growing pains are not fully understood but are thought to be related to muscle fatigue from daily activities. They are not caused by actual bone growth or injury.

Can growing pains harm my child?

Growing pains are generally harmless and do not cause long-term problems. However, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

You can try gentle leg massages, warm baths, stretching exercises, and giving over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if appropriate and recommended by a healthcare provider.

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

If your child has severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, limping, or difficulty walking, or if the pain does not improve with home care, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can telemedicine replace in-person visits for growing pains?

Telemedicine can provide helpful advice and support for typical growing pains, but it cannot replace physical exams or tests needed for more serious conditions. In-person visits are necessary if red flags are present.

Sources

1. Growing Pains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Growing Pains: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Musculoskeletal Pain in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. When to Seek Medical Care for Your Child’s Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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 you are concerned about their health, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional.