Pain waking the child at night is usually a concern, but can be due to growing pains if there are no other red flags and criteria for growing pains are met (see rules of growing pains).
The GP reassures Daniel and his mother, explains that no further investigations are needed.
The diagnosis of growing pains can be confidently made as Daniel has a typical history of symmetrical pains in the lower legs, no daytime symptoms, no limp, no red flags and a normal examination.
However, caution is needed and the 'rules of growing pains' must be met. Any atypical features should warrant investigation and prompt referral to the appropriate specialist.
The family should be advised if Daniel becomes unwell, develops a limp, day time symptoms or the pains are asymmetrical.
A parent information leaflet is available: Growing Pains Information Sheet.