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Patient Questions  /  Growing pains or something more

Kids & Babies

Are My Child's Leg Pains Growing Pains or Something More?

Growing pains are common in young children. They usually cause aching in both legs, often in the thighs, calves or behind the knees, in the evening or at night, and are gone by morning. Pain in one leg only, pain in a joint, a limp, swelling, or pain with fever is not typical of growing pains and should be checked.

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What growing pains usually look like

  • An ache in both legs, in the muscles rather than the joints.
  • Comes on in the late afternoon, evening or night, and may wake your child.
  • Gone by morning, with normal walking and play during the day.
  • Often after a very active day. It comes and goes over months.

Despite the name, there isn't clear proof that growing pains come from growing. They are harmless and fade with time. Gentle massage, stretching and a warm bath or heating pad on a low setting often help.

Pain that is probably something else

Pain that shows up during sports or in one specific spot, like below the kneecap or at the back of the heel, is more likely a sports or growth-plate problem, such as Osgood-Schlatter or Sever's disease. These are common and treatable.

Pain in one leg only, joint pain or swelling, or pain that is there in the morning and during the day also needs a closer look.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

  • Pain in one leg only, or always in the same spot
  • Swelling, redness or warmth in a joint
  • A limp, or your child won't walk or put weight on a leg
  • Pain with fever, a rash, tiredness, poor appetite or weight loss
  • Pain that is there in the morning or getting worse over time

How physical therapy at ARI can help

Growing pains don't need therapy, but sports-related leg pain often does well with it. A physical therapist can find where the pain is coming from, adjust activity so your child can stay active, and build strength and flexibility. Parents are involved in visits, families get a home program, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026