By Nicky Pilkington

Growing pains does occur in around 25 percent to 40 percent of all children. It is most often seen between the ages of 3 to 5 and then again between 8 to 12 years of age. However, this is not carved in granite. Any child can have growing pains prior to a growth spurt.

These leg pains are normally stronger after your child is physically active and your doctor advise you to give him something for the pain such as Tylenol or Motrin and that may be the extent of his advice.

The pain that your child can experience with growing pains will more than likely be in the front of their thighs, in their calves or behind their knees. The joints do not hurt. Leg pains are usually felt more at night or evening just about bedtime. The pain is not felt every day and the intensity varies from one child to the next. Some children have severe pain at night that does wake them from sleep, while others do not. Pains brought on from growing like other illnesses can affect each child differently as to the exact location of the pain and the intensity.

If you notice that the joints are swollen or red then you must visit a doctor, there are not physical signs of growing pains. Growing pains does not have any type of distinguishing symptoms other than pain in the legs. Your child will not run a fever or hurt any place else besides the ones mentioned above. If you notice other symptoms such as fever, or red and swollen joints, then this could be something more serious and you should take your child to the doctor for an evaluation.

Some of the best ways to help your child when growing pains occur is to massage the area, have them stand up and stretch, use a heating pad, another home remedy is to use a moist towel warmed in the microwave. You can also give Motrin or Tylenol for severe pain that is keeping your child from sleeping.

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