Growing Pains in Toddlers & Young Children
Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Growing pains are a common cause of recurrent leg pain in children, affecting 10-35% of children aged 3-12 years. Despite the name, they are not actually caused by growth. They typically present as bilateral (both legs), deep aching pain in the thighs, shins, or calves, occurring in the late afternoon or evening and often waking the child at night. The child is completely fine by morning with normal activity, and physical examination and tests are normal.
Key takeaways
- Growing pains are a common cause of recurrent leg pain in children, affecting 10-35% of children aged 3-12 years.
- Most common cause: Growing pains (benign recurrent limb pain of childhood)
- Emergency: Severe bone pain with fever and child appearing very unwell
- Home care: Massage the affected legs — gentle rubbing of thighs and calves often provides rapid relief
Possible Causes
When to Seek Help
Emergency — Call 911 or go to ER:
- Severe bone pain with fever and child appearing very unwell
- Limb pain with inability to move or bear weight and systemic illness
Urgent — See doctor today:
- Persistent unilateral leg pain with limp
- Bone pain with fever (osteomyelitis or malignancy)
- Pain with joint swelling or heat
- Night pain with associated weight loss, pallor, or bruising
- Back pain with limb pain (spinal concern)
Same-day appointment:
- Leg pain that is present in the morning or causing daytime limping
- Pain that is progressive over weeks
- Leg pain with reduced activity or not wanting to play
- Pain in single specific location (same spot every time)
Monitor at home:
- Classic growing pains: bilateral, evening/night, gone by morning, child completely well between episodes
- Episodes responding well to massage and simple pain relief
- Infrequent episodes (once or twice per week or less) not impacting daily life
By Age
0-2 months
Normal: Growing pains do not occur at this age. Pain or irritability with limb movement should be investigated.
Worry if: Any apparent limb pain in an infant needs evaluation (fracture, infection, or other cause).
2-6 months
Normal: Growing pains do not occur at this age.
Worry if: Apparent limb pain (crying with movement, not using limb) is never growing pains in infancy and needs investigation.
6-12 months
Normal: Growing pains do not typically occur under age 2-3. Occasional night waking with discomfort may be related to teething or other causes.
Worry if: Limb pain, swelling, or disuse at this age is not growing pains — seek evaluation.
1-3 years
Normal: Growing pains can begin as early as age 2-3. Classic features: bilateral leg pain (shins, calves, thighs), evening/night occurrence, completely normal by morning, no limp, no swelling, and relieved by massage or comfort. Episodes last 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Worry if: Unilateral (one side) pain only. Pain still present in the morning. Pain causing a limp or refusal to walk. Joint swelling, redness, or warmth. Fever with pain. Pain worsening over time. Pain in bones rather than muscles. Night pain that wakes child AND is present in morning too.
Home Care
- Massage the affected legs — gentle rubbing of thighs and calves often provides rapid relief
- Apply a warm heat pack or warm towel to sore areas
- Stretching exercises before bed: gentle calf, hamstring, and quadriceps stretches
- Give age-appropriate pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) if pain is distressing
- Reassure the child that the pain will go away and is not dangerous
- Ensure adequate hydration throughout the day
- Maintain regular exercise — activity does not worsen growing pains
- Check vitamin D levels if episodes are very frequent (discuss with doctor)
- Keep a pain diary to identify patterns and share with doctor if needed
- Growing pains are a "diagnosis of exclusion" — mention to your pediatrician at the next visit for confirmation
Frequently asked questions
What causes growing pains in toddlers & young children?
When is this an emergency?
What can I do at home?
When should I call the doctor?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Symptoms
Bottom line
Most cases of growing pains in toddlers & young children in babies are not emergencies. However, seek immediate care if severe bone pain with fever and child appearing very unwell.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.