Growing Pains in Children
Expert Assessment for Children's Leg, Foot & Lower Limb Pain
Helping You Understand Why Your Child's Legs Hurt
It's something many parents experience.
Your child has been running around happily all day, only to complain of aching legs, sore feet or pain at bedtime. They may wake during the night upset, yet by morning they're back to running around as though nothing happened.
Parents often ask us:
"Is this just growing pains?"
Whilst growing pains are common, not every child with leg pain has growing pains. Other factors, including foot posture, biomechanics, hypermobility and activity levels, can also contribute to discomfort.
At Callen Olive, we provide child-friendly assessments to help identify the cause of your child's symptoms, offer reassurance where appropriate and recommend treatment if it's needed.
Because when your child hurts, reassurance matters just as much as treatment.
At A Glance
Your child may benefit from an assessment if they have:
• Aching legs at night
• Sore feet after activity
• Pain behind the knees
• Calf pain
• Tired legs
• Flat feet
• Hypermobility
• Pain affecting sport or play
• Recurrent lower limb pain
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains are one of the most common causes of leg pain in children.
Despite the name, they aren't thought to be caused directly by growth itself.
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but they're often seen in active children during periods of rapid development.
Growing pains commonly affect:
- Calves
- Thighs
- Behind the knees
- Feet
- Ankles
Symptoms usually occur during the evening or at night and often settle by the following morning.
How Do Growing Pains Feel?
Children often describe:
- Aching legs
- Sore feet
- Tired legs
- Pain behind the knees
- Aching calves
- Discomfort in both legs
- Pain that wakes them at night
One of the most reassuring features is that children usually wake feeling completely normal and return to their usual activities the next day.
Why Do Some Children Get Growing Pains?
There's rarely a single explanation.
Several factors may contribute, including:
- Rapid growth
- Busy, active lifestyles
- Sporting activities
- Flat feet
- Hypermobility
- Reduced lower limb stability
- Foot posture
- Walking and running mechanics
For some children, improving how their feet and lower limbs function may help reduce the strain placed on growing muscles and joints.
Could It Be Something Else?
Most children with aching legs have nothing serious wrong.
However, recurring leg pain shouldn't automatically be dismissed as growing pains.
Other conditions can sometimes cause similar symptoms, including:
- Flat feet
- Heel pain (Sever's Disease)
- Hypermobility
- Knee pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle tightness
- Biomechanical problems
A professional assessment helps determine whether your child's symptoms are consistent with growing pains or whether another condition may be contributing.
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
We recommend arranging an assessment if your child:
- Regularly complains of leg or foot pain.
- Is avoiding sport or activity.
- Begins limping.
- Has swelling or redness.
- Has pain affecting only one leg.
- Has symptoms during the day as well as at night.
- Seems to be getting worse rather than better.
Although growing pains are usually harmless, persistent or unusual symptoms should always be assessed.
Your Child's Assessment
Every assessment begins by listening.
We'll discuss:
- When the pain occurs
- Sporting activities
- Growth and development
- Footwear
- Previous injuries
- Any concerns you may have as a parent
We'll then assess:
- Foot posture
- Walking pattern
- Joint mobility
- Muscle flexibility
- Lower limb alignment
- Balance and movement
Where appropriate, we also use OptoGait Gait Analysis to gain a more detailed understanding of how your child moves.
Your Child's Personalised Treatment Plan
Not every child needs treatment.
Sometimes the most valuable outcome is reassurance.
Where assessment identifies contributing factors, recommendations may include:
- Activity advice
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening programmes
- Footwear advice
- Custom Foot Orthotics where clinically appropriate
- Monitoring during periods of growth
Every treatment plan is designed around your child's age, activity levels and individual needs.
Helping Children Stay Active
Children shouldn't have to stop doing the things they love because of pain.
Whether they enjoy football, dance, gymnastics, rugby, athletics or simply playing with friends, our aim is to help them move comfortably and confidently throughout childhood.
By understanding why symptoms have developed, we can often help reduce discomfort whilst supporting healthy growth and movement.
Pricing
Every child is different, which is why every assessment is tailored to their individual needs.
Following your appointment, your podiatrist will explain their findings and discuss any treatment recommendations.
Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment – £180
Children's New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist – £225
If you're unsure which appointment is most appropriate, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.
Call us on 0333 305 8347.
Why Patients Choose Callen Olive
Your feet deserve more than treatment.
At Callen Olive, we believe exceptional podiatry is about far more than relieving pain.
It's about understanding how your feet affect your comfort, confidence and the way you move through life.
Every person who walks through our doors has different goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and ambitions.
Because no two people — or feet — are the same.
Expert Care. Personally Delivered.
We combine specialist clinical expertise, advanced technology and genuinely personalised care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
From your first appointment, you'll understand what's causing your symptoms, the treatment options available and how we'll support you every step of the way.
Why Patients Trust Callen Olive
- Specialist podiatry team
- Personalised treatment plans
- Advanced technology
- Evidence-based care
- Award-winning patient experience
- Trusted by thousands of patients every year
More Than A Podiatry Appointment
Exceptional care isn't just about clinical expertise.
It's about feeling listened to, understood and supported from the moment you arrive until long after your treatment has finished.
Because that's what great care should feel like.
We Care.
It's more than our promise.
It's how we listen, how we explain, how we treat and how we support every patient who places their trust in us.
Because helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease is why Callen Olive exists.
Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.
Related Conditions
- Flat Feet in Children
- Sever's Disease
- Children's Heel Pain
- Hypermobility
- Knee Pain
- Sports Injuries
Related Treatments
- Children's Foot Health Assessment
- Biomechanical Assessment
- OptoGait Gait Analysis
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Sports Podiatry
Frequently Asked Questions
Are growing pains normal?
Yes. Growing pains are very common and are usually harmless, although recurring leg pain should still be assessed if you're concerned.
What age do growing pains affect?
Growing pains are most common in children between the ages of 3 and 12, although they can occur outside this age range.
Can flat feet cause growing pains?
Flat feet don't cause growing pains, but in some children they can contribute to increased strain through the feet and legs, making discomfort more noticeable.
Should my child stop playing sport?
Not usually. Most children can continue being active, although temporary modifications may sometimes be recommended if symptoms are affecting comfort.
Will my child need orthotics?
Not necessarily. Custom Foot Orthotics are only recommended when a thorough assessment suggests they're likely to improve comfort and movement.
When should I worry about leg pain?
If your child has swelling, persistent limping, pain in one leg only, symptoms during the day, or pain that's becoming progressively worse, it's important to seek professional assessment.
Helping Your Child Move Comfortably
If your child is regularly complaining of aching legs, sore feet or recurring lower limb pain, we're here to help.
Our experienced podiatrists provide child-friendly assessments designed to identify the cause of your child's symptoms, offer reassurance and support them to stay active with comfort and confidence.
Book your child's assessment today and help them enjoy every step of childhood.
