Growing pains: myth or reality

Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2010 Dec;8(2):76-8.

Abstract

Growing pains are common among children aged 2-12 years and are characterized by recurrent, self-limited, bilateral lower extremity pain, mostly in the afternoon and evening, and even at night, in an otherwise healthy child. The etiology is unknown and prognosis is excellent. It is important to distinguish between this benign condition and other serious rheumatic or malignant diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Leg / growth & development*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / diagnosis*