Growing Pains

aderettherapy.com.au

Tap on Sam’s legs to explore where growing pains happen — the front of the thighs, behind the knees, and the calves each open a short note about that spot. Then try the relief icons along the bottom of the canvas to see strategies that help Sam at bedtime.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are a very common cause of leg pain in children, typically between the ages of 3 and 12. Despite the name, growing pains are not actually caused by growing! The exact cause is not fully understood, but as they consistently occur during childhood they have been associated with growth.

Growing pains have a very recognisable pattern:

• Location - front of the thighs, calves, and behind the knees
• Timing - late afternoon, evening, or night (they can wake children from sleep)
• Both sides - usually felt in both legs, though not always at the same time
• No visible signs - no swelling, redness, warmth, or limping
• Gone by morning - the pain always resolves completely overnight

How Do I Know It Is Growing Pains?

Growing pains are a "diagnosis of exclusion" - meaning we rule out other causes first. Key signs that it is growing pains (and not something else):

• The pain is in the muscles, not in the joints
• The child looks and moves completely normally during the day
• There is no swelling, bruising, or redness
• The pain comes and goes - it is not there every single day
• The child is otherwise well (no fever, no weight loss, no rash)

If your child has persistent pain in one specific spot, pain that wakes them every night, limping during the day, or any joint swelling, it is important to see a doctor or physiotherapist to rule out other causes.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

While growing pains are harmless, they can be distressing for both children and parents. A paediatric physiotherapist can:

• Teach gentle stretches - a simple quad, hamstring, and calf stretching routine based off your child's symptoms
• Assess movement patterns - to make sure the pain is consistent with growing pains and not a sign of something else
• Recommend activity modifications - balancing active play with rest on particularly busy days
• Provide reassurance - helping families understand that growing pains are normal and will pass with time

Simple Relief Strategies at Home

When Sam is sore at bedtime, try these strategies:

• Massage - gently rub the sore muscles with slow, firm strokes
• Warmth - a warm bath or heat pack (wrapped in a towel) on the sore area
• Stretching - gentle stretches for the thighs and calves, held for 20-30 seconds each
• Reassurance - comfort, cuddles, and letting your child know the pain will pass

Most children grow out of growing pains by their early teens. In the meantime, these simple strategies can make a real difference on tough nights.

When to Seek Help

Growing pains are common and harmless, but it is always worth checking with a health professional if you are unsure. See your GP or physiotherapist if your child has:

• Pain in one specific joint (especially with swelling or warmth)
• Limping or refusing to walk
• Pain that is there every day and getting worse
• Fever, rash, or unexplained weight loss
• Pain that does not go away by the morning

If you would like help with a stretching program or want reassurance about your child's leg pain, get in touch. We are always happy to help.