Growing pains at 20: what they may mean

Aching legs in a young adult may follow a change in exercise, prolonged standing, a muscle strain, footwear changes, or irritation around a joint. Pain that is worse with running or jumping may point toward an activity-related tendon or bone problem rather than a childhood growing-pain pattern.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease can leave pain around the front of the knee in some people after adolescence. Sever's Disease affects the heel during growth and is less expected once growth has finished. A clinician can distinguish these patterns from other causes.

Note whether the pain is one-sided, its exact location, whether it occurs at rest or with activity, and any recent changes in exercise, work, travel, or footwear. Temporarily reduce the movement that clearly aggravates it while keeping comfortable daily movement. Gentle mobility and warmth may ease muscular tightness.

Do not assume the pain is caused by growth or start supplements without advice. A clinician or pharmacist can review medicines, menstrual or pregnancy-related context where relevant, and other health conditions before recommending treatment.

Arrange an appointment for pain that persists, recurs without a clear trigger, limits exercise, or wakes you from sleep. Seek prompt attention for swelling, redness, warmth, fever, unexplained bruising, weakness, numbness, calf tenderness with breathlessness, or inability to bear weight. Sudden severe symptoms need urgent assessment.

Ask whether the pain is more consistent with muscle, tendon, joint, nerve, or bone irritation; whether an examination or imaging is needed; and which activities are safe while it settles. Mention all medicines and any chance of pregnancy before treatment is advised.