Growing pains are leg pain that is common in children aged 3 to 12 [1]. The NHS describes the usual pattern as an aching or throbbing in both legs, in the evening or night-time [1]. The NHS lists pain in 1 joint, such as their knee or ankle, among the reasons to see a doctor [1].
Growing pains are leg pain that is common in children aged 3 to 12 [1]. The NHS describes the usual pattern as an aching or throbbing in both legs, in the evening or night-time [1]. The NHS lists pain in 1 joint, such as their knee or ankle, among the reasons to see a doctor [1]. The NHS also describes growing pains as harmless, and they usually get better on their own [1]. This page covers the usual pattern, what can be done at home and which signs mean a child should see a doctor.
- What are growing pains?
- How can I recognise a possible growing pain?
- What can help at home?
- When should I take my child to a doctor?
- When is urgent help needed?
- Where can I read more?
What are growing pains?
The NHS says growing pains are not caused by growing and are not a sign of anything serious [1]. It is not known what causes them [1].
How can I recognise a possible growing pain?
The NHS describes the pain as usually:
- An aching or throbbing in both legs [1].
- Pain in the muscles or joints of both legs [1].
- Pain in the evening or night-time, which goes away by morning [1].
The NHS lists pain in 1 joint, such as their knee or ankle, among the reasons to see a doctor [1].
More on how long growing pains last
The symptoms of growing pains can come and go over months, even years [1]. Growing pains are more common in active children and can happen after playing lots of sport [1].
What can help at home?
Two of the NHS suggestions for a parent are: gently massage your child’s legs, or put a covered hot water bottle or heat pack on the painful area [1].
Put a cover on a hot water bottle or wrap it in a towel, fill it with hot rather than boiling water, and never let a child fill one [2][3].
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any medicine.
When should I take my child to a doctor?
The NHS lists these as reasons to see a doctor [1].
- Has pain in 1 leg [1].
- Has leg pain in the morning, or when walking or taking part in activities [1].
- Has leg pain that is bad enough to stop them walking or makes them limp [1].
- Has pain in 1 joint, such as their knee or ankle [1].
- Has a rash, swelling or unusual bruising on the legs [1].
- Has leg pain and a high temperature [1].
- Feels unusually tired or sleepy a lot of the time [1].
- Does not want to eat or is losing weight [1].
When is urgent help needed?
The list below is written for knee pain and covers the signs that should not wait for a routine appointment.
Where can I read more?
- Browse the Knee Hub for other knee problems, or more articles.
- Read about when knee pain should be checked.
- Read about the common causes of knee pain.
This page provides general information and cannot diagnose an individual condition. OrthoKinetics does not provide emergency or urgent care through this webpage or its WhatsApp contact.
References
- NHS. Growing pains. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/growing-pains/ (page last reviewed 16 June 2026).
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Keeping safe as well as warm: how RoSPA is reducing the risk of burns from hot water bottles. 14 October 2025. https://www.rospa.com/health-and-safety-news/keeping-safe-as-well-as-warm-how-rospa-is-reducing-the-risk-of-burns-from-hot-water-bottles
- NHS National Services Scotland, Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS). How to avoid hot water bottle burns and scalds. 14 October 2024. https://nn.nhs.scot/cobis/2024/10/14/how-to-avoid-hot-water-bottle-burns-and-scalds
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