How to Handle a Child with Growing Pains

Help your child through the leg aches and nighttime discomfort that often come with rapid growth periods.

1. Recognize the signs of growing pains. Growing pains typically present as deep, aching, or throbbing sensations in both legs, often in the calves, shins, or behind the knees. They usually occur in the evening or at night, sometimes waking children from sleep. The pain is generally symmetrical—affecting both legs rather than just one—and often comes and goes over weeks or months. Unlike injuries, growing pains don't cause limping, swelling, or persistent tenderness to touch. Children are typically pain-free during the day and can run, jump, and play normally. The episodes may be more frequent during growth spurts or after particularly active days.
2. Provide immediate comfort. When your child experiences growing pains, gentle massage often provides the most relief. Use light pressure and circular motions on the affected areas, focusing on the muscles rather than the joints. Many parents find that warm baths or heating pads set on low can ease the discomfort—just be sure to supervise closely and limit heat exposure to prevent burns. Stretching can also help. Simple calf stretches, where your child sits and gently pulls their toes toward their shin, or having them stand and lean against a wall with one leg extended behind them, may reduce muscle tension. Some families create a bedtime routine that includes these gentle stretches as a preventive measure.
3. Consider pain management options. Over-the-counter pain relievers like children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage growing pains, but consult your pediatrician about appropriate dosing for your child's age and weight. Some parents prefer to start with comfort measures and reserve medication for nights when the pain is particularly disruptive to sleep. Distraction techniques work well for many children. Reading a favorite book, listening to calming music, or gentle back rubs can help shift focus away from the discomfort. Creating a special "growing pains kit" with a heating pad, favorite stuffed animal, and soothing lotion can give your child a sense of control and comfort.
4. Address the emotional component. Growing pains often coincide with big developmental leaps or stressful periods, so acknowledge that your child's discomfort is real and frustrating. Validate their feelings without making the pain the central focus of bedtime or family attention. Some children worry that something serious is wrong with their bodies. Gentle reassurance that growing pains are normal and temporary can help reduce anxiety. You might explain that their muscles are working hard to help them grow bigger and stronger, but avoid making promises about when the pains will stop, as timing varies widely between children.
5. Know when growing pains typically resolve. Most children outgrow these pains by their early teens, though some may experience them sporadically into adolescence. Episodes often become less frequent and intense as children get older. There's no specific timeline—some kids have them for a few months, others for several years. Keep a simple log of when pains occur, their intensity, and what seems to help. This information can be useful for your pediatrician and may help you identify patterns, such as connections to particularly active days, emotional stress, or growth spurts.