Are growing pains actually caused by growing?

No — despite the name, they aren't linked to growth and don't cause any damage. They're harmless muscle aches, most common between ages 3 and 12, and they pass on their own.

When should I worry about my child's leg pain?

See your pediatrician if the pain is in a joint, one-sided, in the same exact spot, present during the day, or comes with swelling, limping, fever, or worsening over time — those aren't typical of growing pains.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

Yes — physical therapy requires a referral from your child's primary care provider, faxed to 901-589-9001.

physical therapy · Awareness

Growing Pains in Children: What They Are and When to Worry

Written by MTG Physical Therapy Team, Licensed Pediatric Physical Therapists

Physical Therapy

Updated 2026-06-20

Your child wakes up crying with achy legs, but by morning they're running around like nothing happened. That pattern is the classic picture of growing pains — common, usually harmless, but worth understanding so you know when it's something more.

What are growing pains?

Growing pains are aching or throbbing in the legs — usually the muscles of the calves, thighs, or behind the knees — that tends to strike in the late afternoon or at night, often on both sides. They're most common between about ages 3 and 12. Despite the name, they're not actually caused by growing, and they don't damage anything.

How to soothe them

Gently massage the achy muscles.
Apply a warm pack or a warm bath before bed.
Gentle stretching of the legs.
Plenty of reassurance — they pass, and they're not harmful.

Red flags — when to see a doctor

Pain in a joint, or swelling, redness, or warmth.
Pain on only one side, or in the same exact spot every time.
Pain during the day that limits activity, or a limp.
Fever, tiredness, weight loss, or rash alongside the pain.
Pain that's getting worse over time rather than coming and going.

Growing pains are a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning a doctor confirms it by ruling other things out. Any of the red flags above warrants a visit to your pediatrician.

Leg pain that limits activity or comes with a limp? Have it checked — we can help.

Request an evaluation

How physical therapy can help

True growing pains usually just need reassurance and home comfort. But when leg pain affects how a child moves, limits activity, or comes with weakness or coordination concerns, a pediatric physical therapist can evaluate and help. PT is a new service at MTG and we're accepting referrals (required from your child's primary care provider, faxed to 901-589-9001).

Frequently asked

Are growing pains actually caused by growing?: No — despite the name, they aren't linked to growth and don't cause any damage. They're harmless muscle aches, most common between ages 3 and 12, and they pass on their own.
When should I worry about my child's leg pain?: See your pediatrician if the pain is in a joint, one-sided, in the same exact spot, present during the day, or comes with swelling, limping, fever, or worsening over time — those aren't typical of growing pains.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy?: Yes — physical therapy requires a referral from your child's primary care provider, faxed to 901-589-9001.

Sources

These links point to external organizations for general education and are not a substitute for an evaluation by a qualified professional.

About the author

MTG Physical Therapy Team, Licensed Pediatric Physical Therapists

Our licensed pediatric physical therapists help children build strength, balance, coordination, and the gross-motor milestones that let them move with confidence. Physical therapy is a newer service at Midsouth Therapy Group, and we're accepting new referrals.

Meet the full team →

Learn more about physical therapy at Midsouth Therapy Group.

Leg pain that's more than growing pains?

If pain limits your child's activity or movement, our pediatric physical therapy team can help. Reach out and we'll guide you.

Request an evaluation