Crack the Case: Is it Growing Pains?

Primary care doctors frequently encounter kids with episodic, crampy leg pain, often worse at night and felt in deep muscular compartments bilaterally. So-called “growing pains” are poorly understood (and likely have little to do with actual linear growth) but thankfully self-resolve in time. Through this case, we discuss when reassurance for growing pains is warranted, what else is on the differential and when to be concerned, as well how continuity with families informs medical decisions and the evaluation of "sick" versus "not sick".