Exploring Growing Pains in Danish Preschool‑Aged Children
1
Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
2
Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej, Denmark
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2247
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Growing pains are the most common cause of recurrent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in preschool‑aged children, affecting approximately one-third of this population 1,2. Despite their high prevalence, growing pains remain poorly understood, with limited evidence regarding contributory factors, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies 1-3. This study examined individual and environmental factors associated with childhood growing pains/MSK pains.
METHODS:
Data were obtained from the Motor Skills in Preschool (MiPS) study, a Danish preschool‑based cohort of children aged 3–6 years 4. Children were classified as having growing pains, MSK pain other than growing pains, or no MSK pain using modified Evans criteria. Associations between behavioural and lifestyle factors and growing pains were assessed using bivariate analyses. Determinants of growing pains were examined using multiple logistic regression models.
RESULTS:
The study included 886 children, of whom 58% were classified as having growing pains or possible growing pains. In adjusted analyses, children with a family history of MSK pain had higher odds of experiencing growing pains. Increased weekend screen time and greater frequency of outdoor play were also significantly associated with growing pains. Children who played outdoors 5–7 days/week were more likely to experience growing pains compared with those who did not regularly play outdoors. Additionally, children with more than two hours of screen time per day on weekends had higher odds of growing pains compared with those with 0–1 hour/day.
CONCLUSIONS:
Growing pains are common in early childhood and, although often considered benign, may substantially affect sleep and quality of life. The association with a family history of MSK pain suggests a potential genetic predisposition, while associations with outdoor play and screen time point to possible biomechanical or activity‑related contributions. Improved understanding of the etiology of growing pains may enhance diagnostic clarity, reduce unnecessary investigations, and support clinicians in counselling families.
Growing pains are the most common cause of recurrent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in preschool‑aged children, affecting approximately one-third of this population 1,2. Despite their high prevalence, growing pains remain poorly understood, with limited evidence regarding contributory factors, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies 1-3. This study examined individual and environmental factors associated with childhood growing pains/MSK pains.
METHODS:
Data were obtained from the Motor Skills in Preschool (MiPS) study, a Danish preschool‑based cohort of children aged 3–6 years 4. Children were classified as having growing pains, MSK pain other than growing pains, or no MSK pain using modified Evans criteria. Associations between behavioural and lifestyle factors and growing pains were assessed using bivariate analyses. Determinants of growing pains were examined using multiple logistic regression models.
RESULTS:
The study included 886 children, of whom 58% were classified as having growing pains or possible growing pains. In adjusted analyses, children with a family history of MSK pain had higher odds of experiencing growing pains. Increased weekend screen time and greater frequency of outdoor play were also significantly associated with growing pains. Children who played outdoors 5–7 days/week were more likely to experience growing pains compared with those who did not regularly play outdoors. Additionally, children with more than two hours of screen time per day on weekends had higher odds of growing pains compared with those with 0–1 hour/day.
CONCLUSIONS:
Growing pains are common in early childhood and, although often considered benign, may substantially affect sleep and quality of life. The association with a family history of MSK pain suggests a potential genetic predisposition, while associations with outdoor play and screen time point to possible biomechanical or activity‑related contributions. Improved understanding of the etiology of growing pains may enhance diagnostic clarity, reduce unnecessary investigations, and support clinicians in counselling families.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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