Which of the following conditions is indicated by chronic nocturnal limb pain in children that typically resolves by morning?

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Chronic nocturnal limb pain in children that typically resolves by morning is most indicative of growing pains. This condition is common in children and is characterized by intermittent pain in the legs that occurs in the evening or at night. The pain is often described as aching or throbbing and usually affects the thighs, calves, or knees. Parents often report that the child wakes up in the night complaining of pain, but by morning, the child is typically pain-free and can resume their regular activities without any issues.

Growing pains are understood to be a benign condition and do not indicate any underlying serious pathology. This distinguishes them from other conditions that can cause limb pain, such as juvenile arthritis, which tends to present with more persistent symptoms and may also include signs of swelling or stiffness, particularly in the morning. Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, would generally cause more severe pain and possibly systemic symptoms like fever. Nursemaid's elbow is a specific injury resulting from a dislocation of the radial head, leading to acute, rather than chronic, pain and typically affects younger children.

Thus, the characteristics of chronic nocturnal limb pain that resolves by morning most closely align with growing pains, making it the appropriate choice in this context.

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