HEALTH CONDITION
Growing pains
Growing pains is a term used for leg pain that is common in children aged 3 to 12. It's harmless and usually gets better on its own. The pain can be treated with painkillers like paracetamol.
Symptoms of growing pains
The symptoms of growing pains can come and go over months, even years. The pain is usually: an aching or throbbing in both legs in the muscles or joints of both legs in the evening or night-time (and goes away by morning)
Things you can do to ease growing pains
Do gently massage your child's legs put a covered hot water bottle or heat pack on the painful area give children's ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain Don’t do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 16 unless a doctor prescribes it
Causes of growing pains
It's not known what causes growing pains. It's not caused by growing and is not a sign of anything serious. Growing pains are more common in active children and can happen after playing lots of sport. It's also common in children with very flexible joints ( joint hypermobility syndrome ).
Source: NHS, last reviewed 16 June 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.