Children's Health

Growing Pains

When Should I Call the Doctor?

When deciding whether to call the doctor, it's important to remember that growing pains are almost always felt in both legs. Pain that is only in one leg may be a sign of a more serious condition. Call your health care provider if this happens.

It's also important to remember that growing pains affect muscles, not joints. And they do not cause limping or fever.

Call your child's doctor or nurse if leg pain occurs with the following symptoms. They aren't symptoms of growing pains, but your doctor will need to examine your child and run tests:

• injury, such as a fall
• fever
• loss of appetite
• limping or difficulty walking
• rash
• red, warm, painful, swollen joints
• tiredness
• weakness
• weight loss

And of course, call your doctor if you have any other concerns.