The treatability of “growing pains” in children - a mini review

Abstract

Aim: Growing pains in children is not an uncommon condition. Relative local overuse, reduction of bone strength, reduction of pain threshold, hypovitaminosis D and abnormal foot postures have all been found to be associated with the condition. Yet the etiology of the condition has not been completely determined. At present, there is no standard treatment protocol of the condition. As the growing pains in children tend to disappear with age, many health care practitioners opt not to treat the condition or dismiss the patient on the ground that he or she would get better with time. The present mini-review aims at reviewing the current treatment approaches and recommendation. Methods and materials:A manual search in the PubMed has been made, using the keywords growing pains in children, treatment, orthoses and vitamin D, for treatments of growing pains in children.Results: A search of literature reveals a well-implemented muscle stretching program as the first line treatment. In spite of the rather equivocal findings from the numerous studies regarding the efficacy of foot orthoses, their success in reducing pain and symptoms related to growing pains cannot be denied. The prescription of foot orthotics is clinically advocated. Also, supplementation of vitamin D3 is suggested for children with hypovitaminosis D, as it has been found that the majority of children with growing pains have a low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. Conclusions:Children with growing pains should be assessed for their serum vitamin D level and their foot postures. Supplementation of vitamin D3 and foot orthoses may improve the signs and symptoms of patients, when indicated.