Clinical Portal 2026 Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Growing Pains in Children

Common night-time leg aches can be harmless, but pain should not be labelled as growing pains when red flags are present.

Parent Guide Published

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)

Many children with typical growing pains remain well between episodes. A child who limps, has swelling, has fever, or cannot join normal activity needs medical review rather than reassurance alone.

What parents should know

Growing pains are recurrent aches, usually in both legs, often in the evening or at night. The child is usually well between episodes and can walk and play normally during the day.

This guide cannot diagnose the cause of leg pain. Bone, joint, muscle, infection, inflammatory, neurological, injury-related, and other medical causes must be considered if symptoms are atypical.

What parents may notice

  • Aching or cramping pain in the calves, thighs, shins, or behind the knees.
  • Pain often affects both legs and may wake the child at night.
  • No swelling, redness, limp, fever, or morning stiffness in typical cases.
  • The child is usually well and active the next day.

Practical home support

  • Comfort the child and gently massage the painful area if this helps.
  • A warm compress or warm bath may ease discomfort.
  • Encourage normal activity when the child is well and pain-free during the day.
  • Seek medical advice before using repeated pain medicines.
  • Keep a simple note of timing and pattern if episodes are recurrent.

Red flags / when to seek medical review

Seek medical review promptly if any concerning features occur:
  • Limping, refusal to walk, inability to bear weight, or activity limitation.
  • Persistent pain in one leg, worsening pain, or pain after injury.
  • Joint swelling, redness, warmth, severe tenderness, or morning stiffness.
  • Fever, weight loss, night sweats, child looking unwell, or night pain with systemic symptoms.
  • Weakness, numbness, abnormal gait, or developmental concerns.

Important facts for parents

  • Growing pains are not caused by bones actually growing.
  • Normal walking, normal activity, and a normal examination between episodes are reassuring.
  • Unexplained bone or joint pain should not be dismissed if warning signs are present.

Medical disclaimer

General education only. This guide does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, examination, or individualized treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms. Final clinical use requires clinician review.

References

  1. Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Standard Treatment Guidelines: Growing pains.
  2. Indian Pediatrics review articles on growing pains in children.
  3. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Musculoskeletal presentations in children.

Last reviewed: 15 May 2026. Status: draft, pending clinician review.

Medical review and references

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-06-05

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesIAP Standard Treatment Guidelines: Growing Pains; Indian Pediatrics review on growing pains; NICE CKS musculoskeletal presentations in children.

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.