Growing pains checklist [easy version] | Points to check before going to the hospital and how to distinguish them

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When you wonder, “Is this growing pain?”

When a child complains of “my feet hurt” or “my knee hurts,” parents become very worried.

• Is it growing pains?
• Or is it a disease
• Should I go to the hospital immediately

The Growing Pains Checklist is useful in such cases.

Author
“It doesn’t mean you have to fit everything. Please use it as a guideline🌱”

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Growing Pains Checklist [Basic Edition]

First, let’s check the characteristics commonly seen in growing pains.

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✔ Check 1: The pain mostly occurs in the evening or at night

• Says “it hurts” after evening
• Complains of pain before going to bed or during the night
• In the morning, it’s a mess

👉 This is a common feature of growing pains.

Author
“It only hurts at night is a big hint that you may have growing pains.”

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✔ Check ② I can move normally in the morning and during the day

• I feel fine when I wake up in the morning
• You can go to school and play normally
• Able to run and walk

👉 In the case of growing pains, often they do not significantly interfere with daily life.

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✔ Check ③ The location of pain changes depending on the day

• Right foot today
• Next day left foot
• Location changes such as knees, calves, thighs, etc.

👉 Another characteristic of growing pains is that the location of the pain is not fixed.

Author
“Not being in the same place every time is often a source of peace of mind.”

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✔ Check ④ No swelling or fever

• No visible swelling
• Not hot to the touch
• Not turning red

👉 With growing pains, there are few signs of inflammation.

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✔ Check ⑤ There is no strong pain when pressed

• It is safe to touch lightly
• It doesn’t hurt unless you press hard

👉 If you experience strong pain just by pressing, consider the possibility of something other than growing pains.

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✔ Check ⑥ I don’t have a fever or feel unwell

• No fever
• Have an appetite
• Feeling energetic

👉 Generally speaking, growing pains are not accompanied by any systemic symptoms.

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Indication that growing pains are likely

✔ 3 to 5 or more of the above items apply
✔ The pain is temporary
✔ It often improves the next day

In this case, there is a high possibility of growing pains.

Author
“It’s more important to look at the overall flow than how many apply.”

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Caution checklist [Guideline for hospital consultation]

Next, this is a sign that you should consider the possibility that it is not growing pains.

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⚠ Caution ① The pain continues

• Pain in the same spot for days to weeks
• It hurts even during the day

👉 Growing pains are less long-lasting pain.

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⚠ Caution ② Swelling, redness, and a feeling of heat

• Looks swollen
• Hot to the touch
• It’s red

👉 There is a possibility of inflammation, injury, or another disease.

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⚠ Caution ③ Walking strangely/dragging your feet

• Walk with only one leg covered
• Apparently difficult to move

👉 This is not often seen in growing pains.

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⚠ Caution ④ Fever or feeling unwell

• Continuing low-grade fever
• Lack of appetite
• Feeling exhausted

👉 If you have systemic symptoms, we recommend that you seek medical attention early.

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⚠ Caution ⑤ Strong pain at night and day

• It hurts regardless of the time of day
• It hurts even if I don’t touch it

👉 Growing pains break down the characteristic of being “only at night.”

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Points to keep in mind when going to the hospital

When you visit the doctor, please note the following points to make the examination go smoothly.

• When the pain started
• Pain time
• Where it hurts
• Intensity of pain
• Daytime situation

Author
“Small notes can often help in diagnosis.”

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What to do at home when growing pains are suspected

If the checklist indicates that growing pains are likely, try the following care.

✔ Gentle massage
✔ Warm up in the bath
✔ Give yourself a good rest
✔ Avoid excessive exercise

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Tips on how to use the Growing Pains Checklist

• Don’t worry about checking too much every time
• With a feeling like “How are you doing today?”
• If you notice any changes you are concerned about, consult us as soon as possible

Author
“’Not worrying too much, but not neglecting it’ is the perfect balance.”

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Summary｜Let’s make decisions calmly with the Growing Pains Checklist

✔ Growing pains are temporary pains that are common in children
✔ The child often has pain at night and is fine in the morning
✔ If there is no swelling, fever, or gait abnormality, there is no need to worry
✔ Use the checklist as a “hint for making decisions”
✔ If you feel even the slightest discomfort, consult a medical institution

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Author
“Just by knowing, your anxiety will be much less. Let’s keep calm and keep an eye on the checklist.”