Growing Pains: How to manage this benign condition successfully.

Growing pains, characterized by intermittent pains or aches, usually in the legs, are common in children aged 3 to 12 years. The reported incidence varies from 4.2% to 50%; the cause is unknown. Successful management requires educating parents and the child about the benign nature of the condition. A compassionate approach by both the parent and the physician, analgesic medications, heat, and massage are helpful in alleviating the discomfort. Appropriate follow up is necessary to ensure that a more serious disorder has not been missed.