Every parent has probably heard the phrase, “It’s just growing pains.” But what exactly are growing pains, and do children really experience pain simply because they’re growing?
Growing pains are one of the most common causes of leg pain in children, affecting up to one in three youngsters. While they can be uncomfortable and sometimes worrying for parents, they are usually harmless and resolve on their own. However, it’s important to recognise when pain may be a sign of something more serious.
What Are Growing Pains?
Despite their name, growing pains are not thought to be caused directly by bone growth. Research suggests they are more likely related to muscle fatigue, increased physical activity and the way a child’s developing body responds to exercise.
Growing pains are most common in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years, often occurring during periods when children are particularly active.
What Do Growing Pains Feel Like?
Growing pains typically have some very characteristic features:
- Aching or throbbing pain in both legs.
- Usually felt in the calves, thighs or behind the knees.
- Often worse in the late afternoon, evening or during the night.
- Children usually wake feeling completely normal the following morning.
- Pain comes and goes rather than being constant.
- There is no swelling, redness or bruising.
- Children continue to walk and run normally during the day.
Many parents notice that episodes are more common after busy days involving running, jumping, sports or playing outdoors.
Why Do They Happen?
Although the exact cause remains unclear, several factors may contribute:
- Increased physical activity.
- Muscle fatigue.
- Joint hypermobility in some children.
- Poor sleep and nutrition.
- Biomechanical problems.
- Psychological factors.
Importantly, growing pains are not caused by bones growing too quickly, despite the name.
How Can Parents Help?
Fortunately, growing pains usually respond well to simple measures:
- Gentle massage of the sore muscles.
- Applying a warm heat pack.
- Gentle stretching before bed.
- Walking.
- Encouraging regular physical activity while avoiding sudden increases in training.
- Ensuring children wear correct footwear/trainers for sports and active play.
- Keeping children well hydrated.
- Good nutrition and sleep.
Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Children who experience recurrent leg aches may benefit from an assessment of their posture, movement patterns and joint function. At Spinavita Chiropractic, we assess the whole child—not just where they feel pain. Sometimes muscle tightness, reduced flexibility, altered biomechanics or poor movement patterns can place additional strain on growing bodies.
Our aim is to:
- Assess movement and posture.
- Identify areas of stiffness or muscle imbalance.
- Provide advice on stretching and strengthening.
- Support healthy movement during growth and development.
- Help children remain active and confident.
Every child is different, so treatment recommendations are always be tailored to the individual. Chiropractic care should form part of a multidisciplinary approach where appropriate, and children with concerning symptoms should always be referred for medical assessment.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Advice?
While growing pains are common, some symptoms should never be dismissed as “just growing pains.”
Seek assessment if your child has:
- Pain in one leg only.
- Persistent pain during the day.
- Swelling, redness or warmth around a joint.
- Limping or difficulty walking.
- Pain that continues for several days without improving.
- Fever, weight loss or feeling generally unwell.
- Pain after a significant injury.
- Night pain that becomes progressively worse or regularly wakes them.
- Pain that limits normal play or sporting activities.
These symptoms may indicate another condition requiring medical assessment, such as an injury, infection, inflammatory arthritis, stress injury or other musculoskeletal condition.
Supporting Healthy Growth
Growing is a busy time for children’s bodies. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, good sleep and sensible recovery all help support healthy bones and muscles. If your child is active in sport, it’s also important to ensure they have enough rest between training sessions and that increases in activity happen gradually.
The Bottom Line
Growing pains are common, harmless and usually temporary. They often affect both legs, occur in the evening or at night and disappear by morning. While they can be distressing, they rarely indicate a serious problem.
However, persistent, one-sided or activity-limiting pain should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
If you’re ever unsure whether your child’s pain is simply growing pains or something that needs further investigation, don’t ignore it. An assessment can provide reassurance, identify any underlying issues and help your child stay active, healthy and enjoying the activities they love.
