Growing Pains in Kids: When to See a Physical Therapist

Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Pediatric Physical Therapy on August 20, 2025

Understanding Growing Pains

It’s common for kids to wake up in the middle of the night with aching legs, especially during growth spurts. These episodes are often referred to as growing pains — a term used to describe muscle discomfort in children that isn’t linked to an injury or illness.

While most growing pains are harmless and temporary, they can still disrupt sleep, limit activity, and cause worry for parents. Knowing when to seek professional help can make a big difference.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are typically:

• Felt in the legs — especially the calves, shins, thighs, or behind the knees
• Worse in the evening or at night
• Intermittent, with pain-free periods in between
• Not associated with swelling, redness, or persistent morning pain

These aches are not directly caused by growth itself but may be linked to muscle fatigue, overuse, or even how a child’s body is adapting to rapid changes in height and activity.

When Growing Pains Might Need More Attention

Most of the time, growing pains improve with rest, stretching, and reassurance. But you should consider scheduling a physical therapy evaluation if your child experiences:

• Pain that persists into the morning or during the day
• Pain that worsens with activity instead of after
• Limping or avoiding movement
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the joints
• Pain isolated to one leg or joint
• Frequent waking due to discomfort

These symptoms could indicate a different underlying issue, such as a sports injury, posture imbalance, or joint problem.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

A pediatric physical therapist can assess your child’s strength, flexibility, posture, and movement patterns to determine if there’s an underlying cause for their pain.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
• Activity modifications to reduce strain
• Balance and coordination training
• Education for parents on home strategies
• Posture and footwear recommendations

By addressing muscle imbalances or movement habits early, physical therapy can help prevent minor aches from becoming ongoing problems.

Home Strategies for Managing Growing Pains

While waiting for your appointment — or if your child’s discomfort is mild — you can try:

1. Gentle Massage – Rubbing the sore areas can relax muscles.
2. Warm Compress or Bath – Heat helps soothe tight muscles.
3. Stretching Before Bed – Light calf and hamstring stretches may reduce night pain.
4. Supportive Footwear – Proper shoes can improve alignment and reduce muscle fatigue.
5. Active Recovery – Encourage light activity during the day to maintain mobility.

Helping Kids Stay Active and Pain-Free

Growing pains are often a normal part of development, but they don’t have to limit your child’s activities or cause repeated sleepless nights. When in doubt, it’s always best to have a professional evaluation to rule out more serious issues.

At Reform Physical Therapy, we help kids stay active, build healthy movement habits, and recover quickly when pain arises.

Schedule a Pediatric PT Evaluation

If your child’s leg pain is affecting their daily life or keeping them up at night, we can help.

Call to book an appointment or visit one of our Southern Maine locations