It is bedtime, and your child, who ran about happily all evening, is in tears: “My legs are paining!” By morning they are racing around again. Monday, 19 October, is World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day, a good moment to talk about one of the commonest leg complaints parents bring to me.
Quick answer: Growing pains are harmless aches in both legs, usually in children aged 3 to 12, that come in the evening or at night and are gone by morning. Growth is not the cause. Pain in one leg, a limp, swelling, fever, or pain that continues into the day is not typical and needs a doctor’s check.
What are growing pains?
“Growing pains” is the name for recurring aches or throbbing, usually in the thighs, calves, shins or behind the knees. As HealthyChildren.org explains, growth is not the cause; even in a growth spurt, bones grow too slowly to hurt. The NHS notes they are more common in active children after lots of running or sport, and in children with very flexible joints (hypermobility). The aches can come and go for months or years.
Why does it matter?
Growing pains are not dangerous, but night-time pain upsets the whole family, and the real task is telling them apart from leg pain with another cause. In an Indian study from a children’s outpatient clinic, growing pains made up about three in four cases of long-standing leg pain, and were seen most often in winter, the season we are heading into.
What do typical growing pains look like?
- Both legs ache, or the pain switches sides from one night to the next
- Pain is in the muscles, not in one particular joint
- It starts in the late afternoon, evening or night, and is gone by morning
- Your child walks, runs and plays normally during the day
- No swelling, redness, bruising or limp
What can I do at home?
- Massage and warmth. Gently rub the legs, give a warm bath before bed, or use a covered hot water bottle.
- Stretch. Simple calf and thigh stretches can ease the ache, as KidsHealth suggests.
- Pain relief if needed. Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen, dosed by weight. Never give aspirin to a child unless a doctor prescribes it.
- Keep them active. There is no need to stop sport. Encourage rest breaks and a variety of activities.
- Good nutrition. Some Indian studies have linked growing pains with low vitamin D or iron, but a 2025 AIIMS Raipur study found similar vitamin D levels in children with and without them. A balanced diet with enough vitamin D and iron is good for bones and muscles, but I do not start supplements without a reason.
When should I see a doctor?
Book a check-up if your child:
- Has pain in only one leg, or in one joint such as the knee or ankle
- Has pain in the morning, during the day, or while walking or playing
- Limps, or the pain stops them from walking
- Has swelling, redness, warmth, a rash or unusual bruising on the legs
- Has leg pain with fever, is unusually tired, eating poorly or losing weight
- Has a lump in the leg, or pain that is getting worse
Go to emergency the same day if your child cannot put weight on the leg, has sudden hip, knee or thigh pain, the leg looks misshapen, they seem very unwell with high fever (as per NHS limp guidance), or they pass dark, cola-coloured urine after exercise.
Usually a careful history and examination are enough. If you would like me to examine your child’s legs, you can book a visit.
Key takeaways
- Growing pains are common, harmless night-time aches in both legs.
- Massage, warmth, stretching and simple pain relief usually help.
- One-sided pain, limping, swelling, fever or daytime pain is not growing pains: see a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Are growing pains really caused by growing?
No. Despite the name, growth does not cause the pain. Bones grow too slowly to hurt, even during a growth spurt. Tired muscles after an active day are the most likely reason.
At what age do growing pains happen?
Most often between 3 and 12 years. The aches come and go over months or even years, with pain-free spells in between, and they usually settle on their own.
Should my child stop sports if they have growing pains?
No. Children with growing pains can keep playing and enjoying sport. Regular rest breaks and a mix of activities, rather than the same one every day, may help.
Does my child need blood tests or an X-ray?
Usually not. There is no test for growing pains; a doctor diagnoses them from the story and a normal examination. Tests are done only if the pattern does not fit.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Please see your pediatrician for advice about your child.
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