Patient's question:
Boy: Two months ago, after a fever, injection, and medication, he developed nighttime limb pain. Subsequently, multiple hospital visits failed to identify an accurate cause. Some doctors suspected growing pains, while others thought it was neuralgia. Despite taking some medications, his condition did not improve. His limbs often make a "hissing" sound, and nighttime pain frequently wakes him up.
He underwent various tests at the hospital, including an electroencephalogram (EEG), X-rays of the limbs, electromyography (EMG), blood tests (including six parameters), trace element tests, anti-O, blood sedimentation rate, and tests for urine and stool, all of which were normal.
First follow-up question: Two months ago, he had a fever and went to the doctor...
Doctor's answer:
Growing pains in children are a type of non-joint pain, referring to intermittent lower limb pain during a child's growth period. They generally occur in the calf muscles and surrounding soft tissues, without migratory characteristics. The pain often happens at night or during rest periods, is brief and not persistent, with no redness or swelling at the affected area, and no restriction on movement. When the pain occurs, there are no other systemic symptoms or signs, and everything returns to normal after the pain subsides. Clinical laboratory tests, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), and X-rays, are all within normal ranges.Why do growing pains occur in children? Experts believe it is closely related to the child's growth and development. The continuous increase in a child's height depends on the development of bones, particularly the long bones of the limbs. The ends of the long bones, medically known as epiphyses, have cartilage tissue and a rich vascular network. Through this network, essential nutrients such as proteins, calcium, and phosphorus are delivered to the bones, promoting the growth and maturation of cartilage tissue, which then continuously "ossifies" into true bone. Since children are in a phase of rapid bone growth, the epiphyses of the lower limbs become congested and edematous with increased tension, stimulating the surrounding peripheral nerves and causing pain. After physical activity during the day, blood circulation strengthens, reducing or eliminating congestion and edema at the epiphyses, so the pain does not occur during the day but at night.
Growing pains are a temporary physiological phenomenon and generally do not require treatment. During episodes of pain, local massage or heat application can help. Engaging children in toys or games can also distract them and alleviate the pain. If the pain occurs frequently and is severe, oral salicylates (e.g., aspirin) can be taken. If the pain persists after medication, further medical evaluation is necessary to rule out pathological pain or other conditions.