Can grow pain: are growth pain real?

If you have already woken up to your child complaining about his painful legs in the middle of the night, they could have experienced what many refer as growing pain. But are these pain and pain really linked to growth?

Mohammad Soud, MD, pediatrician at Osf Healthcare, explains what growing pains are, why they occur and how you can help your child sail in these common discomforts.

What are the growing pain?

Growth pain is very common in children. They refer to muscle pain and discomfort, generally in the legs, as children grow up.

“Growth pain is actually not linked to bone growth,” said Dr. Sud. “As your child’s body is developing and developing, their muscles and tendons extend, to which the term makes growth pain.”

What causes growth pain?

Although the exact cause of growth pain is not fully understood, there is a variety of factors that can play a role.

“Increased physical activity can put a lot of pressure on your child’s muscles,” says Dr. Sud. “In addition, muscles and bones can grow at different rhythms, which can cause muscles extending around the bone, causing fatigue and discomfort.”

In some cases, low vitamin D can also contribute to growth pain.

“Studies suggest that children with low vitamin D can feel muscle pain and weakness that may resemble or add up to discomfort of growth pain,” said Dr. Sud. “Children can obtain vitamin D by exposure to sunlight or sources of food, such as eggs or fortified cereals.”

What do growing pain look like?

Growth pain usually feels like a dull feeling of pain or palpitation in the muscles.

Growth pain often occurs in the legs, especially in calves, shins, thighs and behind the knees. Some children may experience growth pain in their knee feet or joints.

The pain can affect both legs at the same time, or one side could hurt more than another.

“The pain occurs most often in the evening and at night, especially after an active day, and can make children wake up at night by feeling painful,” said Dr. Sud.

How long does growth pain last?

Growth pain is temporary and often comes in episodes that can last from a few minutes to a few hours. The frequency that this happens can vary considerably, depending on the child.

“A study has shown that 43% of children can feel these pains once a week,” said Dr. Sud. “Other children may experience painless periods that last from days to months. In serious cases, pain can occur daily in some children. ”

In most cases, your child’s growth pain will occur less often and will be less painful as they age.

How old are growth pains?

It is not common for newborns or infants to have increasing pain. If they feel pain, it is probably for another cause.

Growth pain can start in the preschool years – between 3 and 5 years old. They can continue until the age of 12.

Growth pain usually reach ages from 8 to 12 years old.

“During these advanced years, children most often experience growth thrusts caused by muscles and bones that develop at different rates,” said Dr. Sud. “However, it is not uncommon for children to feel leg or knee pain when they go to growing adolescents.”

Treatment of increasing pain treatment

Although it is not possible to stop growing pain, the good news is that the pain is temporary and generally resolves alone without treatment.

However, there are several ways to relieve growing pain in your child’s legs and make them more comfortable, especially at night. These remedies include:

• Stretch their legs before bed
• Gently massage the painful area
• Use of a heating cushion or a hot compress
• Give over -the -counter pain relievers, such as tylenol or ibuprofen

“It can also be useful to reassure your child that this pain is not serious,” said Dr. Sud. “This can help reduce anxiety around the problem.”

When to speak with your child’s pediatrician

Although the growth in children in children is generally harmless, there are some symptoms to be monitored that may indicate a reason underlying your child’s pain. These include:

• Fever
• Box or difficulty walking
• Pain associated with injury
• Persistent pain throughout the day
• Swelling or redness around the painful area
• Weakness or fatigue

If your child’s pain seems excessive or interferes with daily activities or sleep, consult your child’s pediatrician. They can help exclude all other causes and give you advice on how to manage these pains as your child grows.

Last update: April 3, 2025