To those talking about growing pains, are they muscle cramps or more like joint aches? I haven't experienced this, but my DS was complaining his leg hurt recently and I was wondering if it could be growing pains...

My daughter is almost 6 and I was about to post the exact same question! Good to know it's not just us.

I had horrible growing pains as a young child and my son and daughter both suffered from them as well. Especially ages 5 - 6. I give mine ibuprofin and then massage their legs with lotion. The pains wake them up at night.

I had leg pains growing up and they were often worse at night. My parents used to make me a warm foot bath, which helped. Adding Epsom salts is a great idea. When I got older and didn't want to get out of bed, I'd put a long, warm sock on the leg or legs that hurt. I don't know if this is out of date or not, but my pediatrician recommended that I eat more bananas since the potassium would help.

My 5 year old DD gets pain behind her knees. I try to help her stretch her hamstring, but it doesn't help much. Usually advil to the rescue and a prayer that it passes soon.

Same here w very tall 4 year old DD. Only at night and usually behind her knees or in her calves. Motrin and back rub, off to bed. Off the charts for height and my DH is 6'3". She's built just like him! I am not, lucky DD!!!

Yep, growing pains. I remember having them as a child and they HURT. My 5 year old son just started complaining of leg pain at night, and he points to the general shin area.

My four year old started screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night due to leg pain about four months ago. Sure enough, she was growing super quick and it hurt!!! We did tynol, snuggles and patience.

Thank you all so much! I am relieved in a way that other kids have woken up crying and needed advil too. I thought about a warm bath with epsom salts too but of course didn't have any in the house last night.

11:34 - I had the same thought and if it continues in just a certain spot (which is what it appeared like last night) then we will of course follow-up with our ped...

Keep an eye on it. If it is a very specific spot, it could be an injury or stress fracture.

DD 6 y/o gets painful growing pains.

I spoke with her pediatrician about it and she confirmed (was concerned about juvenille arthritis). DD said an ice pack on her leg helps it feel better so that waht we give her. Some nights she wakes up crying.

I never had growing pains but my mom did and said they were extremely painful.

Also make sure he is hydrated because even slight dehydration can make any muscle cramp much worse.

My son has started complaining his legs hurt. I give ibuprofen too if it's waking him up.

I also had terrible growing pains as a kid and baths helped--even in the middle of the night. I think my mom added Epsom salt sometimes, but I'm not sure that really made a difference.

Yep, we have/had this. Anywhere from the knees down to the ankles. Advil and a heating pad. Not much else you can do.

DS (6) came home yesterday and said his leg hurt... Was thinking a leg cramp? Then he was pointing to a spot near his ankle... It woke him up last night so I gave Advil...

Anyone else have this with their child?