Growing pains

This resource is intended to provide you with information about growing pains.

What are growing pains?

Growing pains are pains, discomfort or aches that your child may complain of which occur mainly in the legs at night. They are mostly seen in children of the primary school age group. They are very common and can be distressing for the entire family.

What causes growing pains?

The exact cause is unknown, but is debated to be as a result of your child’s growth rate, joint flexibility and activity levels. Aches and discomfort may arise at night from normal jumping, climbing and running activities completed during the day which can cause soreness. It is worthwhile noting that:

• your child is otherwise perfectly healthy
• there are no reported links to risk of developing conditions such as arthritis
• most growing pains settle with time (often months)

What are the possible symptoms of growing pains?

Your child may complain of pains just before going to bed (usually in the evening), and may wake up after some hours with pain in the legs usually located around the ankles, shins or knees. It tends to affect both legs at the same time and can less commonly affect the arms. Despite their sleep being disrupted by the pain, your child will wake up being pain free and is able to continue normal activities.

These symptoms can happen several times a week. Your child should continue to attend school and walk as far as is usually expected. If there are signs of limping, fever, weight loss, joint swelling, physical injury or infection then you should take your child to see their GP as soon as possible, or attend A and E if more urgent or out of hours.

How are growing pains diagnosed?

A diagnosis is generally made following a consultation with your rheumatology consultant.

We normally take your child’s medical history, and complete a physical examination and exclusion of other conditions. We try to make sure that a specialist nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist are present during this appointment are seen at a later date. Your child may require an X-ray and blood tests, though these are not always needed. Your child will usually be discharged from clinic, back to the care of your GP.

How are growing pains best managed?

Your child will usually be discharged from clinic and may not require input from other healthcare professionals. Most growing pains settle completely with time, which can take months. Normal childhood activities will not do any damage to your child’s legs or arms.