In summary:
- Recognizing the differences between growing pains and injuries is crucial for parents.
- Pediatric orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat knee pain using exams and imaging.
- You should seek professional care for your child if pain is severe, persistent, or includes swelling.
Pediatric orthopedic doctors are experts who understand children. Knee pain in children is a common concern for many parents. It is often difficult to know if the pain is a normal part of growing or a sign of an injury.
A pediatric orthopedic doctor has the specialized training to make the correct diagnosis. They can determine if your child’s pain is simply from growing or if it needs medical attention.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our team provides this specialized pediatric orthopedic care. We help families understand the cause of their child’s pain and find the right treatment. Trusting an expert ensures your child receives the best possible care for their growing body.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Serious Pain and Growing Pains?
Growing pains have very specific signs, the first being that they happen at night and can even wake a child from sleep. The pain often affects both legs, especially in the calves, shins, or behind the knees.
By morning, the pain is typically gone, as children do not usually have pain during the day. However, some symptoms suggest a more serious issue:
- Persistent pain that does not go away
- Swelling around the knee, redness, or warmth
- Limping or pain during the day
These signs point to a possible injury or other orthopedic problem. It is important to see a doctor when symptoms do not match the usual pattern of growing pains.
How to Tell If Knee Pain Is from Growing
Growing pains are almost always felt in the muscles, not the joints themselves. Children often describe the pain as an ache or a throb in their legs. This discomfort is usually spread out rather than in one spot, as it is muscular pain related to growth spurts.
Knee injuries or other orthopedic conditions cause pain directly in the joint. This pain often gets worse with activity, like running, jumping, or bending the knee.
A pediatric orthopedic doctor will perform a physical exam to check for joint-specific pain. They may press on different parts of the knee to find the exact location of the discomfort. If needed, they might order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to confirm the cause and rule out other problems.
What Is the Difference Between Growing Pains and Injury?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, growing pains are a normal, harmless part of a child’s development.
They are not caused by any physical damage or injury. Instead, they are likely related to the rapid growth of bones and muscles. The pain comes and goes, usually for a few months or years.
Meanwhile, an injury is due to physical trauma, which can be from a fall, being hit during sports, or overuse. Unlike growing pains, an injury is often linked to a specific incident.
A pediatric orthopedic doctor will look for red flags that indicate an injury. These include bruising, stiffness, or tenderness in one specific area. Pain that is only in one knee, rather than both, is also more likely to be from an injury.
How to Tell the Difference Between Growing Pains and Soreness
Muscle soreness is different from growing pains. Soreness usually happens after intense physical activity or a new exercise. The muscles may feel tired or tender to the touch. This feeling typically improves with rest and goes away within a day or two. It is a predictable response to exertion.
Growing pains are not linked to exercise, and they can happen even on days when a child has not been very active. The pain is often worse at night, which is different from post-activity soreness.
A pediatric orthopedic doctor can help distinguish between these two types of pain. They can rule out other conditions that might seem like soreness, such as sprains or strains. Understanding this difference helps ensure your child gets the right care.
When to Visit a Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor Near You
Does your child have severe pain that makes walking difficult, swelling, fever, or a visible knee deformity? If so, seek medical attention immediately, according to the Mayo Clinic. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent lasting damage.
At The Bone & Joint Center, we provide advanced pediatric orthopedic care, from diagnosis to rehab. Using state-of-the-art tools, we ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment to help your child recover.
Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors in Bismarck, ND
Knee pain in children should never be ignored. While it may just be growing pains, it could also be a sign of an injury that needs attention.
Pediatric orthopedic doctors have the expertise to tell the difference. They play a key role in making sure your child gets the correct diagnosis and care. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward helping your child feel better and stay healthy.
Families in our community can turn to The Bone & Joint Center for expert and compassionate care. Our dedicated team of pediatric orthopedic specialists is here to help you navigate your child’s health. As the best practice for orthopedic and sports medicine, we provide clear answers and effective treatment plans.
Call us at (701) 946-7400 or submit an online appointment request form today to schedule a consultation. The best sports medicine knee doctor looks forward to serving you!
