Do growing pains actually come from growing?

No. Studies have found no link between growing pains and periods of rapid growth, and bone growth is not painful. The name has stuck because the pains occur during childhood. The most likely explanations are muscle tiredness after active play, a lower pain threshold, and in some children, hypermobile joints.

How do I know it isn't something more serious?

Growing pains have a reassuring pattern: both legs, in the muscles, in the evening or night, gone by morning, and a child who runs around normally in the day. Warning signs that need a doctor's assessment include pain in one leg only, joint pain, limping, swelling, morning stiffness, fever, or a child who looks unwell. These point to other conditions such as injury, infection, or arthritis.

At what age do growing pains stop?

Most children stop having growing pains by their early teens, and many outgrow them much sooner. The episodes tend to become less frequent over time. If pains continue into adolescence or change in character, it is worth having the child reviewed.

PediatricCommon; affects a substantial minority of school-age children at some point

Growing Pains

Also known as: Benign nocturnal limb pains of childhood, Recurrent limb pain in children

Growing pains are aching or throbbing pains in the legs that affect children, typically between the ages of three and twelve. They usually strike in the late afternoon, evening, or at night, often waking the child, and are gone by morning. The pain is felt in both legs, most commonly in the calves, shins, behind the knees, or the front of the thighs, rather than in the joints. Despite the name, there is no evidence that growth itself causes them, and they do not happen during growth spurts in particular. They are thought to be linked to muscle fatigue after active days, lower pain thresholds, or hypermobile joints. Growing pains are harmless and disappear with time, but a doctor should rule out other causes if the pattern is unusual.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: Aching, cramping, or throbbing pain in both legs, usually in the muscles rather than joints, Pain that comes on in the evening or at night, sometimes waking the child, Pain that is completely gone by morning, with normal activity during the day
Main treatments: Reassurance that the pain is real but harmless, which helps both child and parents, Gentle massage of the painful muscles, A warm bath before bed or a heat pack on the legs
Category: Pediatric · Common; affects a substantial minority of school-age children at some point
See a doctor if: Pain in only one leg, or pain in the joints rather than the muscles

Symptoms

Aching, cramping, or throbbing pain in both legs, usually in the muscles rather than joints

Pain that comes on in the evening or at night, sometimes waking the child

Pain that is completely gone by morning, with normal activity during the day

Episodes that come and go, sometimes with weeks or months between them

Pain that often improves with rubbing, massage, or cuddling

Headaches or tummy aches in some children with growing pains

Causes

The exact cause is unknown; growth itself is not thought to be responsible
Muscle fatigue after a day of running, jumping, and climbing
A lower pain threshold in affected children, who also tend to get more headaches and tummy aches
Joint hypermobility or flat feet, which may increase muscle strain
Possible links to low vitamin D levels and restless legs syndrome, though evidence is limited

Risk Factors

Age 3 to 12 years
Very physically active days
Joint hypermobility or flat feet
A family history of growing pains or restless legs syndrome
A tendency to other recurrent pains such as headaches or abdominal pain

Diagnosis

A detailed history: the pattern of pain in both legs, at night, resolving by morning, with a well child in the daytime, is characteristic
Physical examination showing normal joints, walking, and growth
Blood tests or X-rays only if there are warning signs such as limping, one-sided pain, swelling, fever, or daytime symptoms

Treatment

Reassurance that the pain is real but harmless, which helps both child and parents
Gentle massage of the painful muscles
A warm bath before bed or a heat pack on the legs
Stretching exercises for the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps, done regularly rather than only when pain strikes
Paracetamol or ibuprofen at bedtime on nights when pain is expected or severe
Supportive: checking footwear and considering supportive insoles if the child has flat feet, and ensuring adequate vitamin D through diet, sunlight, or supplements if deficient

Prevention

Encourage daily stretching, particularly after very active days
Ensure supportive, well-fitting shoes
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine, as tired children may feel pain more acutely
Keep the child's diet balanced with adequate calcium and vitamin D

When to See a Doctor

Pain in only one leg, or pain in the joints rather than the muscles
Limping, swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness over a specific spot
Pain that is still present in the morning or that affects daytime activities
Fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, tiredness, or unusual bruising alongside the pain
Pain following an injury, or a child who is reluctant to walk

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Restless Legs Syndrome

Neurological

Muscle Cramps

Musculoskeletal

Knee Pain

Musculoskeletal

Vitamin D Deficiency

Metabolic

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