My 3 year old DS has been getting pains in his legs for about 2-3 weeks now (sometimes 1x/day). The pains seem to "lock up" one or both of his legs and then he is virtually unable to walk. We thought they might be leg cramps and we've tried massaging his legs when this happens.
My DH says he clearly remembers getting these pains and that they were "growing pains". Well, I don't know much about growing pains, although I've heard of others getting them.
What do you know about growing pains? Could I chalk this up to that? Or perhaps there is something else going on?
TIA for any info.

Hi dear, we seem to be following each other around. There are really such a thing as growing pains and one way to be "sure" they are growing pains is that they should happen at night. Ok- I don't remember where I got that, don't quote me but that is my understanding. I had them too, so did my oldest although I don't remember it happening so young. I doubt that a traditional doctor could do much but send you for endless testing. How about chiropractic? Also- leg pains can be vitamin deficiencies... is he taking a supplement? Certainly wouldn't worry much.

Both of my older ones have gotten them, I don't know if they can happen at any time of the day but mine seemed to get them at night too when they were trying to relax and go to sleep.
We just did massages with some oils, not much else you can do for them.

A dairy allergy can also present itself as growing pains. We know ds is allergic to dairy and if he has something like mac & cheese he will definitely wake up at night telling me his legs hurt. I rub some lotion on them and he is usually able to go back to sleep.

We have dealt with these on and off for the last few years. DS is 6, I read
about it at Dr. Sears or Dr. Greene's website. There was a good explanation.
I would think if it's something that goes on for weeks, it might be good to get it checked out.

My ds, now 11 used to and I think still does get growing pains. We see a chiropractor, so she helps with adjustments.
I grew up thinking they were just a metaphor, but now I believe they a real :)