Condition guide
Does your child wake in the evening or at night with leg pain, then run around in the morning as if nothing had happened? This is commonly called growing pains. The name is misleading: it has nothing to do with growing and is not a sign of a serious illness. It is common in children aged 3 to 12 and eases with massage, warmth and simple stretches.
Stretching at home
Stretches can ease the pain. Do each one slowly, without forcing, and on both legs. An adult should help young children at first.
Lie on your back with both knees bent. Bring one knee towards your chest, hold the back of your thigh, straighten your leg and gently pull it towards your head. If you can’t reach, wrap a towel around your thigh.
30 seconds, 2–3 times on each legLie on your front, or stand holding on to something. Hold your ankle, keep your leg relaxed and gently bring your heel towards your bottom.
30 seconds, 2–3 times on each legLie on your back with your legs straight. Bend one knee, hold under it and gently pull it towards your chest.
30 seconds, 2–3 times on each legStand facing a wall. Put one foot in front with the knee slightly bent; keep the back leg straight with the heel on the floor. Push your hips towards the wall.
30 seconds, 2–3 times on each legNo. Despite the name, growing pains have nothing to do with growing and are not a sign of a serious illness. The cause is not known. They are more common in active children and after days with a lot of sport, and are also common in children with very flexible joints.
Usually not. A doctor or physiotherapist can make the diagnosis by listening to the history and examining your child. Blood tests and X-rays are normal in these children and are only needed if another cause is suspected.
The pains can come and go for months or even years, then stop on their own. They cause no lasting damage and do not raise the risk of arthritis later in life.
They don’t need to. Staying active and gently strengthening the muscles often reduces the pain. Keeping a diary of which days and after which activities the pain comes helps you see a pattern. Supportive, well-fitting shoes that fasten securely may also help.
If needed, you can give paracetamol or ibuprofen suitable for children; check the packet or ask your pharmacist about the dose. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 unless a doctor recommends it.
For heel pain, see the Sever’s disease guide; for swelling and pain just below the knee, the Osgood-Schlatter guide; and for very flexible joints, the joint hypermobility guide.
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