Recurrent limb pain in children
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 waking in the night.
However, children under 16 should not be given aspirin unless your doctor specifically advises this.
You can also try firmly massaging your child's leg muscles and joints or applying warmth to their legs, for example with heat packs.
Supportive footwear such as trainers might help prevent growing pains. Make sure any shoelaces are tied and that shoes with Velcro are fastened firmly.
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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