Growing pains in children are best described as which of the following?

• A. Morning pain with joint swelling
• B. Evening pains with no signs, self-limited about 30 minutes
• C. Pain with high fever
• D. Pain that worsens with activity and causes limping

Answer: (B)

Growing pains are benign, non-inflammatory leg pains that occur in children mainly in the late afternoon or evening and resolve on their own within a short period, typically around 30 minutes. There are no objective signs such as swelling or warmth, and the child remains otherwise well and able to participate in activities during the day. This timing and self-limited nature are the hallmark features. If pain were in the morning with joint swelling, or if fever were present, that would point toward inflammatory or infectious processes, not growing pains. If pain worsened with activity and caused a limp, that would suggest an orthopedic or other pathology rather than the benign nocturnal pains seen in growing pains.