What Are Growing Pains?

Despite their name, "growing pains" are unrelated to bone growth—there is no evidence that growth causes pain. The cause of these aches is not fully understood but growing pains are cramping or aching pains in your child’s limbs, usually affecting both legs. Growing pains most commonly occur in the shins, calves, thighs and behind the knees.

What Do Growing Pains Feel Like?

Growing pains vary by child. Most children experience a deep, cramping discomfort that can be mild or severe. The pain might last for minutes or several hours and can occur daily or intermittently, with symptom-free gaps lasting days or months.

Consult your GP if your child:

  • Starts limping
  • Experiences pain every night or continues during the day
  • Complains of pain in one leg
  • Shows signs of swollen joints
  • Shows symptoms such as fever, appetite loss or weight loss

Causes of Growing Pains in Kids

The exact cause of growing pains remains unclear, but contributing factors may include:

  • Physical activity

Increased activity might lead to muscle soreness at night.

  • Genetics

A family history of growing pains can increase the likelihood of experiencing them.

  • Joint hypermobility

Children with flexible or "double-jointed" limbs may be more prone to muscle discomfort

Can Growing Pains Cause Fever?

Growing pains should not cause fever or affect your child’s ability to walk. If your child feels unwell, has a fever, or begins limping, consult your GP promptly to rule out other conditions.

How to Help Get Rid of Growing Pains in the Legs

While growing pains are a normal experience as your child gets older, they can still be uncomfortable. There’s no specific treatment, but there are simple steps to help ease symptoms. These are anecdotal, but include the following:

  • Warm bath:

A bath before bed can help relax muscle aches.

  • Massage:

Gently massage the affected area in circular motions.

  • Heat application:

Use a warm water bottle or heat pack (wrapped in a towel) on the painful area for up to 30 minutes.

  • Stretching or light activity:

Encourage gentle activities like walking or stretching to ease tension.

  • Pain relief:

Give ibuprofen or paracetamol at the onset of symptoms. Never give aspirin to a child under the age of 16, unless advised to by a GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a growing pain?

Growing pain refers to harmless, recurrent pain that is common amongst children. Growing pain symptoms are usually felt in both legs and typically occur in the evening. It is unclear what the cause of growing pains are, but they usually resolve on their own with no lasting issues.

How can I tell if my child has growing pains or something more serious?

Growing pains should not affect your child’s ability to walk. They should not be limping or show any signs of infection. If these symptoms occur, or if the pain is accompanied by fever or weight loss, consult your GP, as they may have an underlying condition.

Does physical activity worsen growing pains?

Although physical activity doesn’t directly cause growing pains, very active days can increase muscle soreness in children who experience these aches.

How can I help get rid of growing pains?

Parents can try relieving their children’s growing pain symptoms by giving a gentle leg massage, using a heat pack, or trying an over-the-counter pain reliever for mild symptoms like ibuprofen or paracetamol. It also helps to reassure your child that the pain will go away by morning.

All information presented in this article is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your GP or a Pharmacist.

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