Symptoms of Growing Pains

• Pain usually occurs in both legs, especially thighs and calves, but may affect one leg at a time or different parts of the leg at different times. Pain in the arms is less common, but may occur along with leg pain. If the pain is localized to a single specific joint, it’s probably not growing pains.
• Pain occurs almost exclusively in the evenings and at night, often causing awakening during the night.
• Pain does not occur consistently during daytime activities or interfere with usual playground, recreational or sports activities. However, children may complain more frequently during nights that follow very active days.
• Growing pains do not cause limping.
• Pain may occur for months or years, as frequently as almost every night, often with symptom-free intervals of weeks or months. Symptoms may wax and wane but usually remain stable with time. Most children outgrow growing pains within several years.
• Children with growing pains have normal physical exam results. The results of X-rays and lab tests, although usually not needed, are also normal.
• Stretching the legs’ large muscle groups—as the calves and thighs—can lessen symptoms, but is often impractical for young children. To ease discomfort, try a massage, heating pad or a mild nonprescription pain medication.

Symptoms Unrelated to Growing Pains

If your child has any of the following symptoms, it’s probably not growing pains:

• Symptoms of general illness, such as fever or weight loss.
• Pain specific to a single joint.
• Pain worsening with time.
• Pain interfering with usual daytime activities.
• Limping.
• Abnormal joint symptoms, such as restricted motion, redness, swelling, warmth or tenderness in the related area.

Reviewed by: Elizabeth W. Lee, M.D.

Last reviewed: August 2019