What growing pains are
Growing pains are recurrent leg pains in otherwise healthy children. They tend to come and go over months or years, with pain-free periods between. The exact cause is unknown, but they are not related to growth spurts.
Typical symptoms
- Aching or throbbing in both legs.
- Pain in the front of the thighs, the calves or behind the knees, not in the joints.
- Pain in the late afternoon, evening or at night.
- Pain can wake the child.
- No pain, limping or swelling the next morning.
Who gets growing pains
Growing pains usually start between 3 and 12 years old and affect boys and girls. They are more likely in active children, children with flexible joints or flat feet, and in families where parents had them.
See flat feet exercises and knock knees.
Possible causes
- Muscle fatigue after a busy, active day.
- Joint hypermobility.
- Foot posture, such as flat feet.
- A lower pain threshold.
- Low vitamin D levels, which are being studied.
Massage for growing pains
Gentle massage of the legs is one of the most effective comforts. Use slow, firm strokes from the ankle towards the knee on the calf, and from the knee towards the hip on the thigh, for 5 to 10 minutes. A little lotion or oil can help. Many children find that it relaxes them and helps them fall asleep.
If massage is painful or the leg is tender to touch, the cause may be something else and should be checked.
Stretches that help
- Calf stretch: hands on a wall, one leg back, heel down, hold 20 to 30 seconds.
- Thigh stretch: holding a support, bend one knee and hold the ankle behind.
- Hamstring stretch: sitting with legs straight, reach gently towards the toes.
Doing stretches in the evening before bed may reduce night pain. See hamstring stretches and quad stretches.
Other ways to ease the pain
- A warm bath before bed.
- A warm (not hot) wheat bag or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen at the right dose for age, if needed.
- Comfort, cuddles and reassurance.
- Supportive shoes for children with flat feet.
Should children stop sport?
No. Children with growing pains should stay active. If pain is worse after very busy days, balance activity and rest, but there is no need to stop sport.
How doctors diagnose growing pains
There is no test for growing pains. A doctor diagnoses them from the typical pattern and a normal examination. Blood tests or X-rays are only needed if there are warning signs or the pattern is unusual.
Conditions that can look similar
- Restless legs syndrome, with an urge to move the legs.
- Injuries or stress fractures.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease at the front of the knee in active older children.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, with joint swelling and morning stiffness.
- Rarely, infections or tumours.
See leg pain at night.
Helping the family cope
Night-time pain can disrupt the whole family’s sleep. A predictable routine, with a warm bath, massage and stretches, can reduce episodes and help the child feel more in control. Reassuring children that the pains are not harmful and will go away also helps.
Keep a pain diary
Writing down when pains happen, where they are felt, how long they last and what the child did that day helps you and the doctor recognise the typical pattern. It also shows whether something has changed, such as pain moving to a joint, happening during the day or affecting one leg, which would need checking.
When to see a doctor
- Pain in one leg only or in a joint.
- Pain during the day or still present in the morning.
- Limping or refusing to walk.
- Swelling, redness or warmth.
- Fever, weight loss, tiredness, bruising or a rash.
- Pain that is getting worse or follows an injury.
Key points to remember
- Growing pains are harmless aches in both legs, usually at night.
- The child is well the next morning.
- Massage, stretching and warmth help.
- Pain in one leg, joint swelling, limping or fever need assessment.
Questions about growing pains
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
At what age do growing pains happen?
Usually between 3 and 12 years old.
Are growing pains caused by growing?
No. Despite the name, they are not caused by growth.
Does massage help growing pains?
Yes, gentle massage helps many children.
Why are growing pains worse at night?
Muscles may be tired after the day, and children notice pain more when resting.
Can teenagers get growing pains?
They are less common; leg pain in teenagers should be checked.
Should I give medicine for growing pains?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help occasionally at the right dose.
Can growing pains be in one leg?
Typical growing pains affect both legs; pain in one leg needs checking.
Do growing pains cause limping?
No. Limping suggests another cause.
How long do growing pains last?
Episodes come and go and usually stop by adolescence.
Sources
- NHS · Growing pains
- Evans AM, Scutter SD. Prevalence of “growing pains” in young children. J Pediatr. 2004
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.