What should you know about grow in pain?

Typical growing pains affect both legs, commonly the muscles of the calves, thighs, or behind the knees. They are not usually present in the morning, do not cause a limp, and the child is generally well between episodes. Gentle rubbing, warmth, and reassurance may help, but pain should not automatically be attributed to growth.

Pain focused at the bump below the knee after running or jumping can occur with Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Pain at the back or underside of the heel in an active child can occur with Sever’s Disease. A clinician can distinguish these patterns from joint, bone, muscle, or other causes by examining movement and tenderness.

Keep a brief record of timing, location, activity, sleep disruption, and any limp or swelling. During an episode, try gentle massage, a warm compress wrapped in cloth, and comfortable movement. Check footwear and training load if pain follows sport, and avoid pushing through a limp or sharp pain.

Book a routine assessment when episodes are frequent, persist, affect sleep or school, stay on one side, or follow a clear activity pattern. A clinician may recommend temporary activity changes and exercises for strength or flexibility rather than complete rest.

Seek prompt medical care for pain with fever, rash, unusual tiredness, weight loss, night sweats, a swollen or hot joint, persistent focal bone tenderness, weakness, numbness, or a limp. Urgent assessment is needed after a significant injury, when the child cannot bear weight, or when pain is severe and sudden.

Ask: Does this pattern fit growing pains or an activity-related condition? What signs should I record? Can my child continue sport, and at what level? Do they need a foot, knee, or hip examination? When should we return if symptoms continue?