Growth Spurts and Growing Pains: Causes and Relief

Creator: Medica Health team
Published: 2026-10-14
Keywords: Growth Spurts, growing pains symptoms, Growing Pains Treatment, growing pains meaning, Causes of Growing Pains, Growing Pains FAQs

medica-seed-editor · October 14, 2026, 7:35pm

Learn if leg aches in children are linked to growth spurts and how to manage these common childhood discomforts.

Understanding the Meaning of Growing Pains

Growing pains are muscle aches that typically affect children between the ages of 3 and 12. These sensations often feel like cramps or a general ache, usually appearing in both legs. Common areas of discomfort include the back of the legs, the front of the thighs, or behind the knees.

While the name suggests a connection, there is no evidence that these aches are caused by growth spurts. They do not occur during the most significant periods of growth, such as the teenage years, and they do not affect how tall a child becomes.

Causes of Growing Pains

Medical professionals have several theories regarding the causes of growing pains:

Physical Activity: Aches may result from a day filled with climbing, jumping, and running.
Physical Traits: Children with flat feet or highly flexible joints may be more prone to this pain.
Sensitivity: Some children are more sensitive to pain in general, which may also manifest as more frequent stomach aches or headaches.
Vitamin Levels: Low levels of vitamin D, which is necessary for bone and muscle health, have been observed in some cases.
Other Conditions: In some instances, what seems like these aches may actually be restless legs syndrome, a hereditary disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep.

Identifying Growing Pains Symptoms

The experience varies by child; some feel intense pain while others have mild discomfort. The pain can last for a few minutes or several hours and may recur over months or years.

Key growing pains symptoms include:

Pain that starts in the late afternoon or evening and may wake a child during the night.
Complete disappearance of the pain by the morning.
No limping or difficulty walking.
The ability to play normally throughout the day.
Pain that is not affected by moving the legs.
Occasional pain in the arms, though this is less common and does not happen without leg pain.

Growing Pains Treatment and Relief

These aches eventually vanish on their own without causing permanent harm. To help a child feel better, consider these strategies:

Activity Adjustments: Encourage a variety of different sports and taking breaks during physical play.
Physical Comfort: Use a warm bath before bed, a warm cloth, or a heating pad on a low setting. Never leave a heating pad on a sleeping child.
Massage and Stretching: Gently rub the sore areas or encourage the child to stretch their leg muscles during the day.
Medication: If sleep is disrupted or the child avoids activity, ask a provider about the correct dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

When to See a Doctor

A physician can usually diagnose the condition through a physical exam and medical history. Because the exam is typically normal and X-rays or blood tests are usually unnecessary, it is vital to rule out other causes.

Contact a healthcare provider if the pain is only in one leg or is accompanied by:

Fever or rash.
Swollen, red, or warm joints.
Weight loss or loss of appetite.
Weakness, extreme tiredness, or a limp.
A recent injury, such as a fall.

Growing Pains FAQs

What are growing pains?

They are common muscle aches in children aged 3 to 12 that typically occur in both legs during the evening or night but are gone by morning.

Do growth spurts cause this pain?

No. There is no evidence that these aches are linked to growth spurts or that they impact a child’s growth.

How long do they last?

The duration varies. While some children experience them intermittently for years, they generally disappear by the time the child becomes a teenager.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.