Shin Splints Pain Relief & Growing Pains in Children Solutions

When it comes to understanding leg discomfort in children, did you know that studies suggest up to 20% of active children experience growing pains, while shin splints are a common complaint among young athletes? Differentiating between these two sources of pain is crucial to providing the right care and ensuring kids stay active and healthy.

At PT Family Medicine, we focus on primary and preventative care, specializing in sports medicine and injury treatment in Pennsylvania. Our team helps families manage children’s health issues like shin splints and growing pains with expert, personalized care. If your child has leg pain and you’re unsure why, schedule an appointment today—we’ll help them find relief and get back to what they love.

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Understanding the differences between shin splints and growing pains is the first step toward effective treatment. Let's explore how these conditions differ and what you can do to support your child.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are harmless leg aches in children, often at night. These aches are linked to muscle fatigue, growth spurts, or overuse of lower leg muscles and are not caused by serious issues like restless leg syndrome or injury.

Child's Symptoms:

Pain is localized in muscles (not joints or bone tissue).
Most common in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees, where muscles attach.
Occurs mostly at night, disrupting sleep and sometimes accompanied by mild swelling.
Growing pains tend to ease with gentle stretching or massage.

What Are Shin Splints?

Medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints, is an overuse injury that occurs when repeated stress affects the shin bone and surrounding lower leg muscles. Shin splints develop in athletes, especially those with flat feet or who don’t wear supportive shoes.

Shin Splints Feel:

Sharp, aching, or throbbing pain along the shin bone.
Pain is triggered by activity, particularly running or jumping, and is a common symptom in those who experience exercise pain.
Soreness during or after physical activity, sometimes accompanied by mild swelling.

Shin Splints Diagnosed

Diagnosing shin splints involves a physical exam and reviewing your exercise routine. Your doctor may ask about changes in intensity, duration, or terrain. They may also check for tenderness where muscles attach or signs of lower leg pain. Imaging tests like X-rays or bone scans can rule out stress fractures or bone tissue damage. Treat shin splints early to avoid further injury.

Treating Shin Splints

Treatment includes rest, ice, and pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Incorporating shin splint stretches and cross-training can reduce strain on the shin bone and lower leg muscles. Using shoe inserts or supportive shoes can help, especially for flat feet. Early care ensures recovery and prevents shin splints from worsening.

How Timing and Location of Pain Differ

Growing pains typically occur at night, targeting the softer tissues and often disrupting restful sleep. In contrast, shin splints arise during or shortly after repetitive physical activity, causing discomfort along the shinbone.

Table of Key Differences:

Aspect	Growing Pains	Shin Splints
Timing	Typically occur at night, often disturbing sleep.	Occur during or shortly after physical activity.
Location of Pain	Targets softer tissues, such as muscles, rather than bones.	Focused along the shinbone.
Trigger	No specific activity triggers; pain can arise spontaneously.	Triggered by repetitive impact activities like running or jumping.
Nature of Pain	Dull, aching pain that may affect both legs.	Sharp, throbbing, or aching pain, often localized.
Relief	Pain often subsides with rest, massage, or warm compresses.	May require rest, icing, or adjustments in activity to alleviate.

Tips to Reduce Discomfort at Home

For Growing Pains:

Gentle leg massages can help you stay pain-free.
Warm compress on the affected area to reduce stress and discomfort.
Stretching exercises for flexibility, especially if growing pains are real for your child.

For Shin Splints:

R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for shin relief and to prevent pain from getting worse if left untreated.
Stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to the lower legs, especially for those running on hard or flat surfaces.
Consider orthotic inserts or arch supports to reduce stress on your legs and prevent further discomfort.

If discomfort persists despite these simple measures, consider consulting a healthcare professional or physical therapist for personalized care and guidance based on your medical history.

When to Seek a Healthcare Provider to Prevent Shin Splints or Growing Pains

For growing pains, watch for joint pain or daytime discomfort, which could indicate other medical conditions. For shin splints, see a doctor if you can’t bear weight, symptoms worsen over several weeks, or if sudden changes in activity have put you at higher risk. Wearing proper running shoes can also help manage the most common symptom of shin pain over a few weeks. Seek medical attention if your pain is severe, doesn’t improve with home care, or comes with swelling, redness, or fever.

Move Forward on Your Path to Pain Relief

Pain or sports injuries don’t have to hold you back. Whether you're dealing with growing pains or shin splints, effective treatments and personalized care can make all the difference.

At PT Family Medicine, we specialize in providing professional, compassionate care tailored to meet your unique needs. Schedule an appointment with us today and take a proactive step toward relieving your discomfort and restoring your mobility. Your health and well-being are our priority—contact us now!