Question
A young girl is lively and spirited during the day, but occasionally, from the afternoon to the evening or in the middle of the night, she will experience knee pain so severe that she cries. She appears normal, and her parents have tried using a hot water bag to apply heat to her knees with no noticeable effect. The pain disappears when she sleeps. Her parents are asking whether it’s growth pain and if further examination is needed.
Answer
An X-ray examination can be conducted as growth pain should not cause such severe pain. It is suggested that parents should not be overly concerned. As children grow older, growth pain usually subsides gradually during puberty (around 11 to 12 years old) and does not affect their normal growth or development. Even if the pain recurs, it will not lead to joint deformity. Encourage her to participate in physical activities when she is not tired, to strengthen her muscle strength, and to promote the natural correction of the medial malleolus. Wishing for her healthy growth!