If you’ve ever woken up to your child complaining about their aching legs in the middle of the night, they might have experienced what many refer to as growing pains. But are these common aches and pains actually related to growth?
Mohammad Soud, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, explains what growing pains are, why they happen and how you can help your child navigate these common discomforts.
Worried about growing pains?
What are growing pains?
Growing pains are very common in kids. They refer to muscle aches and discomfort, typically in the legs, as children grow.
“Growing pains are actually not linked to bone growth,” says Dr. Soud. “As your child’s body grows and develops, their muscles and tendons stretch, which is what the term growing pains refers to.”
What causes growing pains?
While the exact cause of growing pains isn’t fully understood, there are a variety of factors that may play a role.
“Increased physical activity can put a lot of strain on your child’s muscles,” says Dr. Soud. “Also, muscles and bones can grow at different rates, which can lead to muscles stretching around the bone, causing fatigue and discomfort.”
In some cases, low vitamin D can also contribute to growing pains.
“Studies suggest that kids with low vitamin D may experience muscle pain and weakness which may resemble or add up to the discomfort of growing pains,” says Dr. Soud. “Kids can get vitamin D through exposure to sunlight or food sources, like eggs or fortified cereals.”
What do growing pains feel like?
Growing pains typically feel like a dull aching or throbbing sensation in the muscles.
Growing pains often occur in the legs, particularly in the calves, shins, thighs and behind the knees. Some kids may feel growing pains in their feet or knee joints.
The pain can affect both legs at the same time, or one side might hurt more than another.
“The pain most often occurs in the evening and overnight, especially after an active day, and can cause children to wake up in the night feeling sore,” says Dr. Soud.
How long do growing pains last?
Growing pains are temporary and often come in episodes that can last from a few minutes to a few hours. How often this happens can vary widely, depending on the child.
“One study showed that 43% of children may experience these pains once a week,” says Dr. Soud. “Other kids can experience pain-free periods lasting from days to months. In severe cases, pain can occur daily in some children.”
In most cases, your child’s growing pains will happen less often and be less painful as they get older.
What age do growing pains start?
It’s not common for newborns or infants to have growing pains. If they’re experiencing pain, it’s probably from another cause.
Growing pains can start in the preschool years – between the ages of 3-5. They can continue until age 12.
Growing pains generally peak between the ages of 8-12.
“In those peak years, kids more often experience growth spurts caused by the muscles and bones growing at different rates,” says Dr. Soud. “However, it’s not uncommon for kids to experience leg or knee pain as they transition to growing teenagers.”
Growing Pains Treatment Options
While it isn’t possible to stop growing pains from happening, the good news is the pain is temporary and usually resolves on its own without treatment.
However, there are several ways to relieve growing pains in your child’s legs and make them more comfortable, especially at night. These remedies include:
- Stretching their legs before bed
- Gently massaging the sore area
- Using a heating pad or warm compress
- Giving over-the-counter pain medications, like Tylenol or Ibuprofen
“It can also be helpful to reassure your child that this pain is not serious,” says Dr. Soud. “This can help reduce anxiety around the issue.”
When to Talk with Your Child’s Pediatrician
While growing pains in kids are generally harmless, there are certain symptoms to watch for that could indicate an underlying reason for your child’s pain. These include:
- Fever
- Limping or difficulty walking
- Pain associated with an injury
- Persistent pain throughout the day
- Swelling or redness around the sore area
- Weakness or fatigue
If your child’s pain seems excessive or interferes with daily activities or sleep, consult your child’s pediatrician. They can help rule out any other causes and give you advice on how to manage these pains as your child grows.
Last Updated: April 3, 2025