Growing pains are a benign and common form of leg pain seen in children between the ages of 3 and 12. They occur in roughly one third of children. Despite the name, there is no proven direct link to bone growth; daytime activity is thought to play a role. The diagnosis is made by demonstrating the absence of any other illness.

Typical Features

  • Appears in the evening and at night, often waking the child from sleep
  • Completely gone by morning; the child plays as if nothing happened
  • Usually bilateral: the calves, back of the calves, behind the knees, and the front of the thighs
  • Felt in the muscles, not in the joint
  • There is no swelling, redness, increased warmth, or limping in the painful area

Home Care

Gentle massage of the aching leg, a warm application, and loving attention often bring relief; when needed, an appropriate dose of pain reliever may be given on a doctor's advice. Plenty of physical activity during the day and adequate fluids are helpful.

Which Signs Are NOT Growing Pains? (See a Doctor)

  • One-sided pain that is always in the same spot
  • Swelling, redness, or increased warmth in a joint
  • Pain that persists into the morning, limping, refusing to walk
  • Fever, weight loss, fatigue, paleness
  • A palpable lump in the painful area
  • Night sweats

These situations require evaluation for infection, rheumatologic disease, or blood disorders.

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This article is for general informational purposes only; it is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, be sure to consult a pediatric specialist.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Pediatrician (Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases), Gaziantep