Table 1 Definition of 'growing pains' – inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Nature of pain

Intermittent

Some pain free days and nights

Persistent

Increasing intensity

Unilateral or bilateral

Bilateral

Unilateral

Location of pain

Anterior thigh, calf, posterior knee – in muscles

Joint pain

Onset of pain

Late afternoon or evening

Pain still present next morning

Physical examination

Normal

Swelling, erythema, tenderness

Local trauma or infection

Reduced joint range of motion

Limping

Laboratory tests

Normal

Objective findings eg ESR, x-ray, bone scan abnormalities

Limitation of activity

Nil

Reduced physical activity