At a glance
- The ache is usually in the muscles of both legs, such as the calves or thighs.
- A warm bath or gentle massage may help.
- A limp, swelling, fever or pain that continues into the day needs a closer look.
What do growing pains feel like?
A child may complain at bedtime or wake up with an ache in their legs. There may be many nights between episodes. By morning the pain should be gone. The name is misleading: a growth spurt does not cause these aches.
What can I do for leg aches at night?
Try a warm bath or gently rub the sore muscles. If the pain keeps coming back, note which leg hurts, how long it lasts and whether it changes how your child walks the next day. Bring those details to your pediatrician.
When should I call about leg pain?
Call your pediatrician if pain keeps affecting one leg, centers on a joint, occurs with activity or is still there in the morning. A limp, swelling, redness or worsening pain also needs an assessment.
Go to the emergency department if your child cannot put weight on the leg or has fever with a hot, swollen joint.
Common questions
Can growing pains wake a child up?
Yes. Nighttime aches can wake a child, but they should settle and leave the child walking normally by morning.
Can growing pains cause a limp?
A limp is outside the usual pattern. Contact your pediatrician to check for another cause.
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.