When do growing pains start?

[rikkitikki]

My 2.5 year old woke up at 4:30 this morning screaming that his legs hurt. No marks and I was up with the baby and didn't hear him fall out of bed or anything. He was running around with DH before bed but nothing excessive that his legs should be sore. Can growing pains start this early? I remember having them as kids and how painful it was.

I gave him Advil and then he was fine. He is totally normal today. It's the first time this has happened and I just want to make sure I shouldn't be more concerned!

[lululolo82]

My DS started having this when he was 3. He feels it in his feet too. I rub them and give some Tylenol if needed. I took him to the doctor to get it checked out and the doctor wasn't concerned. It only ever happens at night and he is always totally fine the next day.

[regal]

Could he have had a leg cramp?

[danisgossipgirl]

Around 3 here too. I had always thought they were a myth but they'd wake the kid at night, he'd be in tears like you described and he'd be fine in the morning. I kept worrying he had sprained something or had a stress fracture but newp.

[jumpingpuddles]

My daughter began around then I think, certainly by age 3. She's usually able to get back to sleep quickly, the most I've ever done is massage her legs (she usually complains of pain around the shins.)

[jumpingpuddles]

Jan 23, 2015 18:56:27 GMT -5 @klondikebar said:

I think my kids started somewhere around age 3. I did recently read that there's no hard evidence of growing pains actually being related to growth spurts and that it's more likely due to muscle tiredness. But my kids all had them in phases so who knows. I've done massages, heat and ibuprofen if necessary. I never use a heating pad, just a microwaveable bear that slowly loses heat so they could sleep with it on their legs.

I need to find this microwaveable bear you speak of. That is a great idea! I'm guessing amazon?

[speedymarie]

Jan 23, 2015 19:13:50 GMT -5 regal said:

Could he have had a leg cramp?

Yeah maybe a Charlie horse?

[rikkitikki]

Jan 23, 2015 19:13:50 GMT -5 regal said:

Could he have had a leg cramp?

It's possible. I am just pushing water today too since that is a possibility!

[rikkitikki]

Thanks everyone. I will chalk it up to a growth pain or cramp and try not to worry!