Recurrent limb pain in children
What are the symptoms?
Growing pains are felt as intense, cramp-like pain in both legs. They most often affect the calves, shins or ankles, but can also affect the thighs.
The pains develop in the evening or at night (often after more active days), but shouldn't be present in the morning.
Your child's ability to walk shouldn't be affected by growing pains and there should be no signs of Limping in children , physical injury or infection.
If your child's symptoms are different to those described aboveit's unlikely they have growing pains. For example, if only one leg is affected or they're limping. In these cases, takeyour childto see a GP (see below), as they may havean underlying medical condition.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Growing pains are aches or pains, most commonly in the lower legs, that occur in the evening or at night and affect children aged between three and 12.
What are the symptoms?
Growing pains are felt as intense, cramp-like pain in both legs. They most often affect the calves, shins or ankles, but can also affect the thighs. The pains develop in the evening or at night (ofte
What causesgrowing pains?
The cause of growing pains is unknown, although they seem to be more common in active children and children with loose, flexible joints ( joint hypermobility ). They also tend to run in families. The
What to do
Growing pains can usually be treated at home. You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage the pain. Sometimes, giving them painkillers before bedtime afteran active day can prevent them
When to see your GP
See your GP if your child's symptoms are particularly severe or suggest they may have another condition, such as: pain in just one leg pain also affecting the arms or back pain that occurs every n
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