Symptoms of Growing Pains
The symptoms of Growing Pains most often include deep, aching sensations in the legs, usually occurring in the late afternoon, evening, or at night. These episodes can cause significant distress to both children and parents, especially when they interrupt sleep. While the symptoms of Growing Pains are non-specific and can mimic other conditions, they typically follow a recognisable pattern that helps distinguish them from more serious issues.
Growing Pains are considered a common part of childhood for many children aged between 3 and 12 years. Although the condition is benign, the discomfort it causes can be intense, sudden, and recurring—raising concerns about underlying disease. Understanding the specific symptom profile helps reassure families and ensures appropriate support is offered.
Common Features of Growing Pains
The most widely reported symptoms include:
Aching, cramping, or throbbing pain, often described as deep or dull
Pain typically in both legs, especially the shins, calves, thighs, or behind the knees
Episodes occur late in the day or at night, frequently waking the child from sleep
Duration ranges from 10 minutes to several hours
No morning pain, with full return to normal activity during the day
No visible swelling, redness, or bruising
These features are key to distinguishing Growing Pains from other childhood conditions. Most children with Growing Pains remain active, happy, and pain-free during the daytime.
Bilateral Nature of Pain
A crucial feature of Growing Pains is that it usually affects both legs. Although the child may feel the pain more on one side at times, the condition is typically symmetric, and not confined to one specific joint or bone.
This contrasts with conditions like:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which often affects one joint
Infections, which may cause localised redness or swelling
Fractures or trauma, which are linked to one limb and a known injury
The widespread, non-localised pattern in Growing Pains supports the idea that it arises from soft tissue or muscular sources rather than joints or bones.
Timing of Symptoms
Most cases occur:
In the evening, especially after a busy day
At bedtime, just as the child is relaxing
Overnight, often causing the child to wake up in distress
Pain usually subsides by morning, allowing the child to resume normal activity without any physical limitations. In some children, the episodes follow a predictable pattern, while others experience them sporadically.
Associated Behaviours
Children experiencing Growing Pains may:
Cry or call out for comfort
Rub or clutch their legs
Ask for massage or warmth
Become clingy or anxious at night
Parents often notice that gentle massage, stretching, or a warm bath helps relieve discomfort quickly. These behaviours support the idea that reassurance and physical comfort are effective forms of relief.
Less Common Symptoms
In some children, symptoms may include:
Foot or ankle discomfort, especially if linked to flat feet or poor posture
Mild headaches or abdominal pain, though these are less specific
Daytime fatigue due to disrupted sleep
However, the presence of symptoms beyond aching legs should prompt a more detailed medical evaluation.
What Growing Pains Do Not Include
The symptoms of Growing Pains should not include:
Persistent pain during the day
Limping or avoiding walking
Swollen or red joints
Fever or night sweats
Unexplained bruising
Weight loss or fatigue
These red flags may suggest more serious conditions, such as rheumatological disorders, infections, or even malignancy. Always seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are present.
Age and Developmental Considerations
Growing Pains typically appear during two peak periods:
Ages 3 to 5 years, during early childhood development
Ages 8 to 12 years, during pre-adolescence or early puberty
These ages coincide with phases of increased physical activity and growth. Some children report more frequent episodes during school holidays or after sports events, further reinforcing the link between activity and symptoms.
Emotional Impact on Families
Despite being benign, the symptoms of Growing Pains can cause considerable emotional stress:
Interrupted sleep for both child and caregiver
Anxiety about serious illness
Guilt or helplessness in not being able to ease the pain
Parents often describe the experience as confusing, especially when the child is healthy during the day but distressed at night. Clear communication from healthcare professionals can significantly reduce this emotional burden.
How Symptoms Evolve Over Time
Symptoms often fade completely by adolescence
Some children experience recurrent episodes for months or years
Frequency and severity tend to decrease over time
There are often long symptom-free periods in between episodes
Very few children continue to experience Growing Pains after puberty.
Conclusion | Symptoms of Growing Pains
The symptoms of Growing Pains are well-defined: they are episodic, bilateral, non-inflammatory, and occur mostly at night. Although painful, these symptoms are temporary, benign, and do not interfere with daytime activity. By understanding and recognising the symptoms of Growing Pains, caregivers can respond with confidence, comfort, and calm—knowing that the condition is self-limiting and part of normal development for many children.
