Is Your Child Complaining Of Aching Legs At Night?

Many parents have experienced it.

A child who has been active all day suddenly complains of aching legs, sore feet or discomfort during the evening or at bedtime.

Often referred to as "growing pains", these symptoms are incredibly common during childhood and can understandably leave parents wondering whether they are a normal part of development or something that requires further investigation.

At Callen Olive, we understand that parents want reassurance when their child is in discomfort. We care about helping families understand the causes of lower limb pain, identify when symptoms are likely to be part of normal development and recognise when further assessment may be beneficial.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are one of the most common causes of leg discomfort in children.

Despite the name, growing pains are not directly caused by growth itself. The exact cause remains unclear, but symptoms are often associated with active children during periods of rapid development.

Growing pains commonly affect:

• The calves.

• The thighs.

• Behind the knees.

• The feet and ankles.

Symptoms typically occur later in the day or during the evening and often improve by the following morning.

How Common Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains affect many children during their early school years and pre-teen years.

They are particularly common in active children who regularly participate in:

• Football.

• Dance.

• Gymnastics.

• Athletics.

• Rugby.

• Tennis.

• General play and physical activity.

Many children experience symptoms intermittently over months or even years.

What Do Growing Pains Feel Like?

Growing pains often present as:

• Aching legs.

• Tired legs.

• Sore calves.

• Foot discomfort.

• Pain behind the knees.

• Symptoms affecting both legs.

• Pain during the evening or night.

Children often wake during the night complaining of discomfort but appear completely comfortable and active the following day.

This pattern is one of the characteristics that helps distinguish growing pains from other conditions.

How Can Growing Pains Affect Children?

Although growing pains are usually harmless, they can still affect quality of life.

Children may:

• Wake during the night.

• Become anxious about recurring discomfort.

• Avoid activity.

• Feel frustrated when symptoms return.

Parents often become concerned because the pain appears to occur without an obvious injury.

Providing reassurance and understanding the factors contributing to symptoms can often be helpful.

Could Foot Posture & Biomechanics Be Contributing?

Sometimes.

Whilst many cases of growing pains are considered a normal part of childhood development, certain factors may increase stress on the feet and lower limbs.

These can include:

• Flat feet.

• Joint hypermobility.

• Altered gait patterns.

• Reduced lower limb stability.

• Sporting activity.

• Rapid growth.

In some children, improving lower limb mechanics may help reduce symptoms and improve comfort during activity.

How We Assess Growing Pains

At Callen Olive, we begin by understanding your child's symptoms, activity levels and development.

We discuss:

• When symptoms occur.

• Sporting participation.

• Growth history.

• Activity levels.

• Any concerns you may have.

Assessment may include:

• Foot posture evaluation.

• Gait analysis.

• Joint mobility assessment.

• Muscle flexibility testing.

• Lower limb alignment assessment.

• Activity and footwear review.

Where appropriate, we also utilise advanced OptoGait gait analysis technology to assess movement patterns and identify factors that may be contributing to excessive strain.

When Are Growing Pains Not Growing Pains?

Whilst growing pains are common, some symptoms warrant further investigation.

Professional assessment is recommended if:

• Pain affects only one leg.

• Symptoms persist throughout the day.

• Swelling is present.

• Limping develops.

• Symptoms are progressively worsening.

• Pain is affecting normal activities.

Our role is to identify whether symptoms are consistent with growing pains or whether another condition may be contributing.

Your Child's Personalised Treatment Plan

Not every child with growing pains requires treatment.

For many children, reassurance and simple management strategies are all that is needed.

Where assessment identifies contributing biomechanical factors, recommendations may include:

• Stretching programmes.

• Activity modification.

• Footwear advice.

• Custom foot orthotics.

• Strengthening exercises.

• Monitoring during growth periods.

Our goal is to help children remain active, comfortable and confident.

Custom Foot Orthotics For Growing Pains

For some children, excessive strain through the feet and lower limbs may contribute to symptoms.

Where clinically appropriate, custom foot orthotics may be recommended to improve foot function, reduce excessive loading and support more comfortable movement.

Orthotics are only prescribed when assessment suggests they are likely to provide meaningful benefit.

Supporting Active Children

Children should not have to avoid the activities they enjoy because of discomfort.

Our aim is to support healthy movement, encourage participation in sport and help children navigate periods of growth comfortably and confidently.

Related Conditions

• Flat Feet In Children

• Children's Heel Pain

• Toe Walking

• Knee Pain

• Sports Injuries

Related Treatments

• Children's Foot Health Assessment

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Sports Podiatry

Learn More About Foot Health

• Family Foot Health

• Running & Foot Health

• Healthy Feet Through Every Stage Of Life

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We care about more than treating symptoms.

We care about helping children move comfortably, develop confidently and enjoy the activities they love.

By combining expert assessment, advanced technology and personalised care, we help support healthy movement through every stage of childhood.

Supporting Healthy Growth, Movement & Development.

If your child is experiencing recurring leg aches, foot discomfort or symptoms commonly described as growing pains, we're here to help.

Our child-friendly assessments provide reassurance, expert guidance and personalised recommendations designed around your child's needs.

Book Your Child's Foot Health Assessment Today

Let us help your child move with comfort, confidence and ease.

Book Your Appointment Now

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

 

Treatment Fees:

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment £180

Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment With Principle Podiatrist £225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.  If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help, please call us on 0333 305 8347.