A child who is fine and playing all day wakes in the evening or at night crying that their legs hurt, and is better by morning, as if nothing happened. These are the classic “growing pains”, among the commonest causes of leg pain in children aged three to twelve. They are harmless, but because other conditions can also cause leg pain, parents need to know which signs to watch for. This guide explains what growing pains are, when to see a doctor, how to comfort your child, and the homeopathic medicines traditionally considered.
Growing pains: quick answers
- What are they? Aching or throbbing pains in both legs, usually in the thighs, calves or behind the knees, mostly in the evening or at night, in otherwise healthy children.
- Age: Usually 3 to 5 years and again at 8 to 12 years.
- Typical pattern: Pain in both legs, not at a joint, gone by morning, no limp, no swelling or redness and the child plays normally in the day.
- Warning signs: Pain in one leg, a limp, swelling, redness, fever, morning stiffness, pain that is there in the daytime or after an injury.
- What helps: Massage, warmth, stretching, paracetamol if needed and reassurance.
About growing pains
Growing pains are poorly named, since there is no evidence that growth itself hurts. The pains are thought to be related to fatigue of the muscles after a very active day of running, climbing and jumping, and may be more common in children with flat feet or very flexible joints, low vitamin D, or in those who are more sensitive to pain. They tend to run in families.
The pain is usually felt in both legs, in the front of the thighs, calves or behind the knees, and rarely in the joints. It begins in the late afternoon or evening, often wakes the child from sleep, and lasts from a few minutes to an hour or two. By morning the child is well and can run and play, and there is no limp, swelling or redness.
Growing pains are a diagnosis of exclusion: other causes of leg pain, such as injury, infection of bone or joint, juvenile arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, anaemia, flat feet and, rarely, leukaemia or bone tumours, need to be considered if the pain does not fit the pattern. A doctor can examine the child and, if needed, order blood tests or an X-ray.
Common symptoms of growing pains
Symptoms vary from person to person. Common ones include:
- Aching or cramping pain in the thighs, calves or behind the knees on both sides
- Pain that begins in the late afternoon or at night and sometimes wakes the child
- A child who is well, active and without a limp during the day
- No swelling, redness or heat in the joints, and normal movement
- Relief with massage, warmth and cuddling
- Pains that come and go over weeks to months, with pain-free days in between
Causes and risk factors of growing pains
There is rarely a single cause. Factors that may contribute include:
- Muscle tiredness after a day of vigorous activity such as running, climbing and jumping
- Flat feet, flexible joints and poor footwear in some children
- Low vitamin D or calcium in children with a poor diet or little sun exposure
- Lowered pain threshold, and sometimes emotional stress
- Family history of growing pains
- Not caused by growth itself, which is painless
When to see a doctor
Growing pains are harmless, but leg pain must be checked if it does not fit the usual pattern. See a doctor if your child has:
- Pain in one leg only, or pain that is constantly present in the daytime
- A limp, difficulty walking or refusing to bear weight
- Swelling, redness, warmth or tenderness over a bone or joint
- Fever, rash, weight loss, tiredness, pallor, bruising or night sweats
- Morning stiffness, or pain that follows an injury
- Pain that gets steadily worse, or is severe and persistent
Wondering which of these medicines is right for you?
Every person with growing pains is different, and so is the medicine that works best for them. To discover the best-suited homeopathic medicines for growing pains for you, consult our experts. They will study your symptoms, your past treatment history and your personality, and then find the homeopathy medicines that suit you best.
Call +91 8080 850 950 for a 1:1 personal consultation with our experts today.
Homeopathic medicines for growing pains
The medicines below are commonly considered in homeopathy for growing pains, with the symptom picture traditionally associated with each. They are listed for general information, not as a prescription.
(1) Calcarea phosphorica: Aching in the bones and limbs of fast-growing, thin or slow-to-heal children, with tall, lanky growth, poor appetite and weakness, and pains worse with change of weather.
(2) Phosphoricum acidum: Aching of the bones and limbs with a feeling of being pulled or scraped during rapid growth, with weakness, tiredness and apathy.
(3) Guaiacum officinale: Traditional medicine for growing pains with stiffness and contraction of the muscles, with pains worse from heat and motion.
(4) Rhus toxicodendron: Pains and stiffness that are worse on first moving and after rest, and better for gentle continued movement and warmth, in restless children.
(5) Magnesia phosphorica: Cramping, shooting pains in the legs that are relieved by warmth, firm pressure and rubbing, and worse at night and from cold.
(6) Calcarea carbonica: Aching pains in the legs in chubby, chilly, easily tired children, who sweat on the head and have a poor tolerance of exertion.
(7) Silicea terra: Pains in the limbs in thin, chilly children who are slow to grow and sweat on the feet, with weak muscles and a desire for warmth.
(8) Ruta graveolens: Pains of the legs, shins and bones as if bruised, with restlessness and a feeling of lameness, worse lying down and after exertion.
(9) Bryonia alba: Pains that are worse on the slightest movement, relieved by rest and firm pressure, with irritability and thirst.
(10) Pulsatilla nigricans: Shifting, wandering pains in the legs in clingy, tearful children, which are worse in warmth and at rest and better with slow motion and cool air.
Homeopathic treatment of growing pains at Welling Homeopathy
These are only basic indications – many more homeopathic medicines are used for growing pains, and the right one is chosen after detailed case-taking by an experienced doctor.
Homeopathy is offered as individualised, supportive care. Reliable scientific evidence that homeopathy treats growing pains is limited, so it should not replace a medical diagnosis or any treatment your doctor considers necessary, and you should not stop or change current medicines without medical advice.
To find out about our care for this condition, see homeopathic care for children, contact a Welling clinic or call +91 80 80 850 950 for a consultation in person or online.
Self-care and lifestyle tips
These measures support general health and may ease symptoms, but they do not replace treatment when it is needed.
- Massage the legs gently and apply a warm (not hot) towel or a warm bath before bed.
- Encourage your child to do gentle leg stretches in the evening, and to stay active in the day; regular exercise helps.
- Give paracetamol in the correct dose for age if the pain is troublesome, but avoid regular use.
- Make sure your child has well-fitting, supportive shoes, and get flat feet checked if they are painful or cause tiredness.
- Ensure a balanced diet with calcium (milk, curd, ragi, leafy vegetables) and a little time in the sun for vitamin D; ask your doctor about testing.
- Offer comfort and reassurance; distraction and a cuddle often help children return to sleep.
- Keep a diary of the pains and see a doctor if the pattern changes or red-flag signs appear.
Frequently asked questions about growing pains
1. Are growing pains real?
Yes, the pains are real and common, although the name is misleading, because growth itself does not hurt. They are likely to be due to tired muscles after active days.
2. At what age do growing pains occur?
Usually between 3 and 5 years of age and again between 8 and 12 years.
3. Do growing pains happen in the daytime?
Typically not. They occur in the late afternoon, evening or night and disappear by morning. Pain that is present during the day, or that limits activity, should be checked by a doctor.
4. Can growing pains be a sign of something serious?
Growing pains are harmless, but pain in one leg, a limp, swelling, fever, weight loss, pallor or persistent pain can be signs of other problems, which need medical evaluation.
5. Can homeopathy treat growing pains?
Homeopathic medicines are used as supportive care for leg pains in children, but reliable scientific evidence is limited. Massage, warmth, stretching and a doctor’s check if red flags appear come first.
6. Does vitamin D deficiency cause growing pains?
Some studies suggest a link, and low vitamin D can cause bone and muscle pains in children. A blood test and your doctor’s advice are the best guide before giving supplements.
7. Should my child avoid sports with growing pains?
No. Regular activity is good for children, and there is no need to stop sport unless the pain is severe or there is an injury.
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To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
