What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit 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. After a telemedicine visit for growing pains, you will often receive advice on managing your child's discomfort at home. This may include gentle massage, stretching, warm baths, or over-the-counter pain relievers if appropriate. The healthcare provider may also suggest monitoring your child's symptoms and activity levels. Typically, no special tests are needed unless symptoms suggest another cause. Follow-up appointments might be recommended if pain persists or worsens. Telemedicine can help you understand and manage growing pains safely, but if your child shows warning signs, in-person evaluation may be necessary.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Pain that occurs during the day and limits walking or activity — seek in-person medical evaluation promptly.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the painful area — these may indicate infection or injury requiring urgent care.
• Fever or other signs of illness accompanying the pain — contact a healthcare provider immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of typical growing pains based on history and symptoms.
• Providing guidance on home management and comfort measures.
• Monitoring symptom changes through follow-up virtual visits.
• Answering questions about when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to rule out other causes of pain if red flags are present.
• Imaging tests or laboratory work that require in-person visits.
• Emergency care for severe pain or signs of infection or injury.

Understanding Growing Pains

Growing pains are common in children, usually between ages 3 and 12. They cause aching or throbbing in the legs, often in the calves, shins, or behind the knees. These pains usually occur in the late afternoon or evening and may even wake a child from sleep. They are not linked to injury or illness and do not cause limping or swelling.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will likely give you tips to help ease your child's pain at home. This may include gentle leg massages, stretching exercises, warm baths, and using heat pads safely. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen might be recommended if your child is uncomfortable. You will also be advised to watch for any changes in symptoms and keep track of when the pain occurs.

When to Seek Further Care

Most growing pains improve over time and do not require special treatment. However, if your child experiences persistent pain during the day, swelling, redness, limping, fever, or if the pain worsens, you should seek in-person medical care. These signs may indicate other conditions that need evaluation.

Managing Growing Pains at Home

Simple home care often helps manage growing pains effectively. Encourage your child to stay active but avoid overexertion. Gentle stretching before bedtime can reduce discomfort. Applying warmth, such as a warm towel or heating pad, may soothe aching muscles. Ensure your child gets enough rest and stays hydrated.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit if the pain continues or changes. Keeping a diary of your child's pain episodes, including timing, intensity, and any triggers, can be helpful. This information assists the provider in deciding if further tests or treatments are needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when and where the pain occurs.
• Note any recent injuries, illnesses, or changes in activity.
• Prepare to describe your child's pain (intensity, duration, triggers).
• Have a list of any medications or treatments your child has tried.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a device ready with a working camera and microphone.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home treatments such as massage or stretching.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended, following dosing instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or new signs.
• Keep your child comfortable and encourage normal activity within limits.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised or if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek immediate care if any red flags develop.

FAQs

What are growing pains and are they harmful?

Growing pains are common, harmless aches in children's legs, usually occurring in the late afternoon or evening. They do not cause injury or long-term problems and typically improve as the child grows.

Can growing pains be treated with medicine?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help ease discomfort. Always follow dosing instructions and consult your healthcare provider before giving medication to your child.

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

Seek medical care if your child has pain during the day that limits activity, swelling, redness, fever, or if the pain worsens. These signs may indicate other conditions needing evaluation.

Is it safe to manage growing pains through telemedicine?

Yes, telemedicine is often suitable for assessing typical growing pains and providing home care advice. However, in-person visits are needed if red flags or unusual symptoms are present.

What can I do at home to help my child?

Gentle leg massages, stretching exercises, warm baths, and applying heat can relieve pain. Encourage your child to stay active but avoid overexertion.

Sources

1. Growing Pains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Growing Pains in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Musculoskeletal Pain in Children and Adolescents — National Library of Medicine.
4. When to See a Doctor for Growing Pains — Mayo Clinic.

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 red flags, seek prompt medical attention.