Growing pains are very real and fairly common in children, especially between the ages of 3 and 12. Even though the name suggests they’re linked to growth, the exact cause isn’t fully understood. What parents do notice, however, is a pattern of discomfort that can be confusing and worrying.
One evening your child may wake up crying with pain in their thigh, and a few nights later complain about an aching shin. The discomfort may switch from one leg to the other and appear several times a week, sometimes continuing for months before suddenly stopping. This unpredictable pattern is typical of growing pains.
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains usually show up as aches in a child’s legs. They are not linked to injury and don’t tend to affect joints. While many parents suspect rapid growth is to blame, others believe the pains may be related to an active day filled with running, jumping, and climbing. At this stage, there’s no single proven cause.
Because leg pain can sometimes signal other concerns, it’s important to pay attention to how and when the pain occurs. Pain that only appears at night and disappears by morning is more likely to be growing pains, while pain that continues during the day may need further attention.
Common Symptoms
Children with growing pains often describe:
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A dull ache or throbbing sensation in the legs
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Pain in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees
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Discomfort that comes and goes rather than happening daily
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Pain that appears in the evening or at night and eases by morning
Growing pains do not usually cause swelling, redness, or tenderness when the area is touched.
How Long Do Growing Pains Last?
Episodes may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. These pains are most commonly experienced between early childhood and the pre-teen years, with some children outgrowing them quickly and others experiencing them on and off over several years.
Ways to Ease Growing Pains and Night-Time Leg Discomfort
Fortunately, growing pains can often be managed with simple comfort measures, including:
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Gentle leg massages
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Light stretching before bedtime
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Applying warmth with a heating pad or warm compress
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Using an appropriate pain reliever when needed
Another possible cause of night-time leg pain is muscle cramping. These cramps can cause sudden, sharp pain and may make the toes curl or the calf muscle feel tight and knotted. Stretching the affected muscle—either by walking or gently flexing the foot upward—can bring quick relief.
For recurring muscle cramps, some parents find that magnesium supplementation in the evening can help. Magnesium can be mixed into warm milk at dinner or before bedtime, though it’s important to ensure the dosage is suitable for your child’s age and size.
Reassurance for Parents
While growing pains can be distressing for both children and parents, they are usually harmless and temporary. With reassurance, comfort, and a few simple strategies, most children are able to rest easily and wake up pain-free the next day.