Growing Pains in Children
Many parents are familiar with the scenario — a child wakes up at night complaining of aching legs, or is tired and sore after an active day. Growing pains are one of the most commonly reported childhood complaints, and while they are generally not harmful, they can be confusing and distressing for both children and parents.
For a broader guide to foot concerns in children, visit our Children's Feet page, which covers common conditions and when to seek professional advice.
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains are recurrent leg or foot aches that typically affect children between the ages of three and twelve. They most commonly occur in the late afternoon, evening, or at night, and often disappear by morning. The pain is usually felt in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees — though some children also report aches in the feet or arches. Despite the name, the exact relationship between pain and growth is not fully understood, and the term is used broadly to describe this pattern of childhood musculoskeletal discomfort.
It is important to distinguish growing pains from other causes of childhood foot or leg pain. For example, children with flat feet may experience aching feet or tired legs after activity, which can sometimes be mistaken for growing pains. A proper assessment helps identify what is contributing to the discomfort.
Common Causes
The exact cause of growing pains is not definitively established, but several factors are associated with the condition:
- Muscle fatigue: High levels of physical activity — running, jumping, climbing — can lead to muscle tiredness that presents as aching, particularly in the evening.
- Bone and muscle growth: Periods of rapid growth can place strain on surrounding muscles, tendons, and connective tissue.
- Reduced pain threshold: Some children are more sensitive to normal muscle sensations, particularly at rest after active days.
- Foot posture factors: Children with altered foot posture, such as flat feet or overpronation, may place additional stress on the lower limb muscles during activity, contributing to aching legs and feet.
- Overuse patterns: Sudden increases in activity level — a busy sports weekend or a school excursion with lots of walking — can trigger or worsen symptoms.
When Parents Should Be Concerned
Growing pains are generally harmless, but there are features that suggest the pain may have a different cause and should be assessed promptly:
- Pain that is present in the morning or throughout the day, not just evenings
- Swelling, redness or warmth around a joint or in the foot
- Limping or reluctance to walk
- Pain that is localised to one specific area rather than general leg aching
- Fever accompanying the pain
- Pain severe enough to regularly disrupt sleep or daily activities
- Symptoms that are worsening rather than staying the same or improving
If any of these signs are present, it is worth seeking assessment to rule out other causes such as heel growth plate pain (Sever's disease), joint issues, or other conditions that can present similarly. Occasionally, children who experience leg pain also walk differently to compensate — if your child tends to walk on their toes, you may also find our page on toe walking in children helpful.
When to See a Podiatrist About Growing Pains
A podiatry assessment is worth considering if your child regularly complains of sore feet, tired legs, or aching after activity — especially if it is affecting their willingness to participate in sport or play. While growing pains are often benign, a podiatrist can assess whether foot posture, footwear, or muscle tightness is contributing to the symptoms and whether simple changes would help.
Children who also have concerns such as in-toeing or altered walking patterns may place extra load on the lower limb muscles, which can aggravate growing pain-type symptoms. A combined assessment can give a clearer overall picture.
How Podiatry Can Help
A podiatrist cannot diagnose growing pains as a medical condition, but can assess contributing factors and help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. This is particularly useful when foot structure or gait is placing additional strain on the lower limbs.
- Foot posture and arch assessment
- Gait analysis to identify excess lower limb strain
- Footwear review and recommendations for support and cushioning
- Stretching guidance for calf and lower limb muscles
- Activity load and recovery advice
- Orthotic options where appropriate
- Referral for further assessment if symptoms suggest another cause
Frequently Asked Questions — Growing Pains in Children
Why do growing pains happen at night?
The exact reason is not fully understood. One widely held view is that muscles and soft tissues recover after a busy, active day and the resulting fatigue or tissue response is felt more strongly when the body is at rest. Most children feel fine again by morning, which is one of the hallmarks of the condition.
Are growing pains always in the legs, or can they affect the feet?
Growing pains most commonly affect the calves, thighs, and behind the knees. Some children also report aching in the arches of the feet or along the bottom of the foot after activity. Foot-specific pain deserves assessment to check whether the arch, growth plates, or foot structure are contributing.
How can I help my child when they have growing pains at night?
Gentle massage of the affected area is often soothing. A warm heat pack applied to the calves or thighs can help with relaxation. Gentle stretches before bed may reduce the frequency of episodes. If the pain is severe or does not settle, speak with your GP or podiatrist for more tailored advice.
Could flat feet be making my child's growing pains worse?
Possibly. Children with flat feet or overpronation can place extra demand on the calf and lower limb muscles during walking and running. This additional load may contribute to or worsen the aching associated with growing pains. A podiatry review can assess whether foot posture is a contributing factor and whether footwear or orthotics would help.
When do growing pains usually stop?
Most children experience growing pains between the ages of three and twelve, with symptoms often reducing as they move through adolescence. They typically resolve on their own, though managing contributing factors — like foot posture and activity load — can help reduce their impact in the meantime.
Children's Foot Pain Assessment in Craigieburn, Gladstone Park and Nearby Areas
Medifoot Clinic works with families from Craigieburn, Gladstone Park, and surrounding Melbourne suburbs. If your child is regularly complaining of sore feet or aching legs, our team is experienced in assessing children's foot and lower limb concerns in a calm, child-friendly environment.
Related children's foot conditions
Children experiencing growing pains may also benefit from reading about related conditions:
If you're concerned about your child's foot development, Medifoot Clinic can assess your child and provide guidance. You are welcome to message us or call our team.