Growing pains or something else? When to worry about pain

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on June 18, 2026.

"Growing pains" is a common term used to describe specific leg pains experienced in childhood and adolescence. While often harmless, sometimes they may necessitate further investigation into whether they’re growing pains vs injury, or something else altogether.

What are growing pains in children?

Growing pains are a common type of musculoskeletal leg pain that affects children, typically between the ages of 3 and 14 (and are more common in girls). Despite the name, they aren't actually proven to be caused by growth itself, and their exact cause remains unclear. 

Key characteristics: they usually affect both legs, often occur in the evening or overnight, are not caused by injury or illness, and typically resolve by morning.

Common symptoms of growing pains

Growing pains are a common cause of pain in the calves, shins, thighs, and behind the knees, usually affecting both legs at the same time. They usually strike in the late afternoon, evening, or night, often waking kids from sleep, and are gone by morning. Growing pains are described as a dull, aching, or throbbing sensation that can range from mild to intense, without a specific tender spot you can press.

When pain might be something else

Certain signs can indicate a more serious underlying condition:

• Pain in only one leg: Could indicate a stress fracture, bone infection, hip or knee problem, or sports injury
• Pain that lasts into the morning: Could indicate Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Lyme disease, or other inflammatory conditions
• Swelling, redness, or warmth: Could indicate joint infection, cellulitis, or inflammatory arthritis
• Fever with pain: Could indicate bone infection, viral or bacterial illness, or rheumatic fever
• Limping or trouble walking: Could indicate Perthes disease, fracture, or muscle or tendon injury
  

If your child is limping, has a fever, has swollen joints, or the pain is only in one leg and doesn't go away by morning, it's not growing pains and needs prompt medical evaluation.

Conditions that can mimic growing pains

Some conditions can mimic growing pains in children’s legs and make it harder to distinguish, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, restless legs syndrome, iron or vitamin D deficiency, Lyme disease, flat feet, and hypermobility. 

A healthy, active child who wakes up pain-free the next morning is the classic picture of growing pains, so variation from this pattern deserves a closer look.

How parents can help relieve growing pains

Gentle leg massage

If your child wakes up crying with aching legs, a gentle massage can work wonders. Rubbing and kneading the calves, thighs, and shins helps increase blood flow and relieve tension.

Warm compress or heating pad

A warm (not hot) heating pad, towel, or relaxing bath before bed can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation.

Stretching before bedtime

A simple stretching routine targeting the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps, even for just 5–10 minutes, can help prevent growing pains overnight.

Over-the-counter pain relief (as directed)

On nights when the pain is intense, child-appropriate pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Do not give aspirin to children, as this carries a risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

Reassurance and comfort

Sitting with your child, speaking softly, and letting them know that the pain is normal and will pass can help them feel safe and less anxious.

When to seek medical care

Trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical advice if something feels wrong. Contact your healthcare provider for a physical exam if your child has pain in only one leg, still has pain in the morning, or has swelling, redness, fever, or is limping.

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about growing pains and how to help your child.

What age do growing pains usually start?

Growing pains most commonly begin in children aged 3–5, with a second phase between 8–12 years old.

Do growing pains happen during the day?

Growing pains are almost always an evening or nighttime occurrence.

Can growing pains cause swelling or limping?

No. If these signs are present, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

How long do growing pains last?

Episodes last from a few minutes to a couple of hours and naturally disappear as the child gets older.

When should I take my child to urgent care for leg pain?

Seek urgent care if your child has a fever, significant swelling, cannot bear weight, is limping, or the pain is severe and has not gone by morning.