Is It Just Growing Pains?

Many parents have experienced the ‘joys’ of having a child with ‘growing pains’ (though my parents just said I was a ‘pain growing up’). Described as achy muscle pain that affects some preschoolers and primary school children, generally between the ages of 3–12 years, the pain usually occurs in the late afternoon or evenings and may cause your child to wake up during the night.

The general misconception is that these pains are normal, simply a part of growth, and that they will go away naturally. But why don’t they happen to every child? Because they’re not always directly linked to growth spurts. In many cases, “growing pains” can be a result of muscular imbalances and poor functional alignment.

Let’s take a closer look.

Symptoms of Growing Pains in Children

• Pain usually occurs in late afternoon or evenings, and may cause your child to wake during the night

• Usually affects both legs, not just one

• Located in muscles, not joints (most commonly thighs, calves, or hamstrings)

• Pain usually resolves by morning and does not cause limping

• Often coincides with periods of increased activity

• May also be associated with headaches

Causes of Growing Pains

The cause of growing pains remains unclear, but many children who experience them also have poor lower limb biomechanics. The main contributors include:

• Increased activity: Sports, running, and jumping can fatigue leg muscles.

• Poor lower limb posture: Collapsing arches (over-pronation) place extra strain on the legs and feet.

• Tight muscles: During growth, tight calves or hamstrings create extra tension on bones and tendons.

• Joint hypermobility: Looser ligaments mean muscles must work harder to stabilise joints.

All these factors make the muscles of the legs and feet work overtime, resulting in fatigue and pain.

After some podiatry treatment — stretching, strengthening, improved footwear, or orthotics — many children’s “growing pains” disappear, yet they continue to grow. That says a lot about the true cause.

When to Seek a Podiatrist’s Assessment

Growing pains can resolve naturally, but it’s important to rule out more serious causes of pain. See a podiatrist if your child has:

• Severe pain in only one leg

• Pain that persists during the day

• Limping, redness or swelling in a joint

• Fever or general unwellness

Treatment and Relief

While there are no set guidelines, many children find relief from:

• Applying a heat pack before bed

• Gentle massage and reassurance

• Pain relief such as Panadol or Nurofen (check with your pharmacist)

• Gentle stretching of calves and hamstrings

Prevention Tips

To reduce how often or how severely growing pains occur:

• Keep your child well-hydrated during sport or hot weather

• Ensure school and running shoes are supportive and well-fitting

• Encourage daily stretching

• Address biomechanical issues like flat feet or hypermobility early

Why Choose My Family Podiatry

At My Family Podiatry, our podiatrists take the time to identify what’s really driving your child’s leg pain. We assess muscle strength, flexibility, foot posture, and overall movement to create an individual plan that keeps kids active and pain-free.

If your child’s leg pain is interfering with their sleep or play, book an appointment today. We help families in Albany Creek, Eatons Hill, Warner and surrounding suburbs across North Brisbane.

Don’t let “growing pains” slow your child down. Book a kids’ foot assessment today.

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