Most cases of growing pains in the child are benign and they come right, but on rare occasions the symptoms are the same as some pretty nasty things, so for thos reason all cases of growing pains have to be taken seriously and properly investigated.

Growing pains are a common, benign condition in children, typically characterized by aching or throbbing sensations in the legs, most often felt in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. These pains usually occur in children between the ages of 3 and 12 and often strike in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes waking the child from sleep. Despite the name, growing pains are not directly caused by growth spurts—bones grow gradually and don’t cause pain themselves. Instead, the discomfort may be linked to muscle fatigue or overuse from physical activity during the day.

The pain is typically bilateral, meaning it affects both legs, and is not associated with swelling, redness, or limping. That’s an important distinction because if the symptoms are persistent, occur in only one leg, or are accompanied by fever or swelling, it may point to something more serious like juvenile arthritis, infection, or injury, which requires medical evaluation. Growing pains often go away by morning, and children usually don’t have any pain during the day. The condition tends to come and go over time and may be more noticeable after particularly active days.

No single test can diagnose growing pains, so healthcare providers usually base the diagnosis on symptoms and physical exam findings, while ruling out more serious conditions. There’s no specific treatment, but symptoms can be relieved with gentle massage, stretching exercises, or warm baths. Some parents also find that applying a warm heating pad or giving a mild over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (under a doctor’s guidance) helps. It’s also reassuring to explain to the child that the pain, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous or permanent.

Although growing pains are not harmful, they can be distressing—both for kids who experience them and for parents trying to comfort them. Open communication, reassurance, and a consistent bedtime routine can help ease the emotional and physical discomfort. It’s a good idea to keep a symptom diary if the pains are frequent, just in case patterns emerge or the doctor needs more context. And while growing pains are normal, anything unusual—like pain in one specific spot, persistent or worsening pain, or other symptoms like joint stiffness—should be evaluated to rule out other causes.

Most Useful Resources:
Growing Pains (Foot Health Forum)
Growing Pains (Podiatry TV)
Growing Pains (PodiaPaedia)
Growing Pains (Podiatry Arena)
Growing Pains in Children (Podiatry Arena)
Night-time foot pain in children (Foot Health Forum)
Growing Pains? (Podiatry Experts)
Growing Pains in Children (iPodiatry)
Take Growing Pains in Kids Seriously (Foot Health Friday)
Growing Pains (Foot Health Guide)
Growing Pains in the Leg: Throwing the kitchen sink at growing pains