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What are growing pains and how can I help my child?
Growing pains are harmless leg aches in children aged 3 to 12 that usually get better on their own.
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What it is
Growing pains is a term used for leg pain that is common in children aged 3 to 12. It’s harmless and usually gets better on its own [1]. The pain is usually an aching or throbbing in both legs, in the muscles or joints, and happens in the evening or night-time, going away by morning [1]. Symptoms can come and go over months, even years [1].
It’s not known what causes growing pains. It’s not caused by growing and is not a sign of anything serious [3]. Growing pains are more common in active children and can happen after playing lots of sport. It’s also common in children with very flexible joints (joint hypermobility syndrome) [3].
What you can do at home
- Gently massage your child’s legs [1].
- Put a covered hot water bottle or heat pack on the painful area [1].
- Give children’s ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain [1].
- Do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 16 unless a doctor prescribes it [2].
The pain can be treated with painkillers like paracetamol [1]. For dosing, always use the product instructions or ask your pharmacist or doctor.
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
See a GP if your child has any of the following [2]:
- Pain in 1 leg only
- Leg pain in the morning, or when walking or taking part in activities
- Leg pain that’s bad enough to stop them walking or makes them limp
- Pain in 1 joint, such as their knee or ankle
- A rash, swelling or unusual bruising on the legs
- Leg pain and a high temperature
- Feels unusually tired or sleepy a lot of the time
- Does not want to eat or is losing weight
These signs are not typical of growing pains and need a medical check [2]. If your child has a high temperature along with leg pain, see a GP [2]. If your child seems very unwell, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice.
Common questions
Do growing pains mean my child is growing too fast? No. Growing pains are not caused by growing and are not a sign of anything serious [3]. The exact cause is unknown [3].
Can my child still play sports if they have growing pains? Growing pains are more common in active children and can happen after lots of sport [3]. The pain typically appears in the evening or at night, not during activity [1]. If pain happens during walking or activities, that’s a reason to see a GP [2].
How long do growing pains last? Symptoms can come and go over months, even years [1]. Each episode usually settles by morning [1].
Is it normal for only one leg to hurt? No. Growing pains usually affect both legs [1]. Pain in only one leg is a sign to see a GP [2].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Growing pains” (2026), section “Growing pains”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/growing-pains/ [2] NHS — “Growing pains” (2026), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/growing-pains/ [3] NHS — “Growing pains” (2026), section “Causes of growing pains”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/growing-pains/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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