Many parents in Bangladesh have seen this. Your child plays happily all day, then wakes up at night crying because their legs hurt. By morning, the pain is gone, and your child runs around as usual.
This is a very common pattern, and it is often called growing pains in children. In most cases, it is harmless. Still, some types of leg pain need a doctor’s attention, so it helps to know the difference.
In this guide, you will learn what growing pains are, what is normal, what is not, and how to help your child at home.
What Are Growing Pains in Children?
Growing pains are muscle aches that children feel, mostly in the legs. They usually start in the late afternoon or evening and often wake the child at night. They are not caused by an injury or a disease.
Despite the name, experts do not fully agree that growth itself causes the pain. Many believe it comes from tired muscles after a busy day of running, jumping, and climbing. Some children may also feel pain more easily than others.
Growing pains are very common, and they usually affect children between 3 and 12 years of age.
Common Signs of Growing Pains
Growing pains have a clear pattern. Look for these signs:
- Pain in both legs, not only one
- Aching in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees
- Pain that comes in the evening or at night
- Pain that goes away by morning
- Pain that comes and goes over days or weeks
- A child who walks and plays normally during the day
- No swelling, redness, or fever
The pain may feel like a deep ache or a cramp. It can last from a few minutes to an hour or more.
What Causes Growing Pains?
The exact cause is not fully known. However, these factors may play a role:
- Too much activity during the day, such as running or sports
- Muscle tiredness after climbing or jumping
- Flat feet or poor foot support
- Loose joints (hypermobility)
- A lower pain threshold in some children
- Low vitamin D or calcium, which a doctor can check if needed
What Is Normal and What Is Not?
This is the most important part for parents. Use this simple guide.
Normal Signs (Likely Growing Pains)
- Pain is in both legs
- Pain happens at night and is gone in the morning
- Your child can run, walk, and play without trouble
- The legs look normal with no swelling or redness
Warning Signs (See a Doctor)
Do not ignore the following signs. Please take your child to a doctor if you notice:
- Pain in only one leg
- Pain that is still present in the morning
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in a joint or leg
- A limp or refusal to walk
- Fever, tiredness, or weight loss with the pain
- Pain after a fall or injury
- Pain that keeps getting worse
- Pain in the joints or back
- A child who is very weak or unusually pale
These signs do not always mean something serious. But they are not typical for growing pains, so a proper check is important.
How to Help Your Child at Home
When it is truly growing pains, simple care often brings relief:
- Gentle massage: Rub the painful leg softly for a few minutes.
- Light stretching: Gently stretch the calf and thigh muscles.
- Warm cloth: A warm (not hot) cloth can relax tight muscles.
- Comfort and care: Stay with your child. Reassurance helps them sleep.
- Good shoes: Choose soft, supportive shoes for school and play.
- Balanced activity: Keep your child active, but avoid very long and tiring sessions.
If your child needs pain medicine, please ask a doctor first. Never give any medicine without medical advice.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Growing pains often settle by themselves. However, if the pain happens often, physiotherapy may help find the reason behind it. A trained physiotherapist can check your child’s posture, walking style, foot shape, and muscle strength.
For example, flat feet, tight muscles, or weak hips can add extra stress to the legs. A therapist can guide your child with stretching exercises, strengthening activities, and simple advice for daily life.
You can learn more about our children’s physiotherapy services and our wider musculoskeletal physiotherapy care. Active children who play sports may also benefit from our physiotherapy for sports injuries.
Why Choose S.K Physiotherapy Center?
At SK Physio BD, we provide modern physiotherapy treatment for back pain, neck pain, lower back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, post-stroke rehabilitation, paralysis, and post-operative physical problems. Our experienced physiotherapists create a different treatment plan according to each patient’s problem.
Our clinic is built on cutting-edge technology and techniques, such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, and stretching exercises. Furthermore, the methods we provide are designed to be effective and efficient, helping patients recover faster.
Here is what makes S.K Physiotherapy Center a trusted choice for families:
- Careful assessment of your child’s movement and pain
- Gentle, child-friendly care with clear advice for parents
- Personal treatment plans made for each patient
- Simple home exercises that families can follow easily
You can read about us, meet our expert therapists, or explore all our physiotherapy services. If you want to know how other families feel, please read our patient testimonials.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do growing pains start?
Growing pains most often start between 3 and 5 years and again between 8 and 12 years.
How long do growing pains last?
Each episode may last a few minutes to an hour. The pains may come and go for months or even a few years. They usually stop by the teenage years.
Do growing pains happen during the day?
Not usually. They mostly happen in the evening or at night. Pain that stays during the day needs a doctor’s check.
Are growing pains dangerous?
No. Growing pains in children are harmless. However, other causes of leg pain can be serious, so please watch for the warning signs above.
Can physiotherapy help with growing pains?
Physiotherapy can help find causes such as flat feet, tight muscles, or weak muscles, and it can teach safe exercises to ease stress on the legs.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if the pain is in one leg only, lasts into the morning, or comes with swelling, fever, or a limp.
Final Words
Growing pains in children are common, and most children grow out of them without any problem. Still, you know your child best. If something feels wrong, trust your instinct and get a proper check.
If your child has leg pain that keeps coming back, a physiotherapy visit can bring peace of mind. Visit the SK Physio BD homepage to learn more, contact us to book a visit, or read more helpful articles on our physiotherapy blog.
