Growing Pains

What are growing pains?

Growing pains are a common cause of recurring leg discomfort in children, typically affecting those aged 3 to 12 years. Despite the name, they are not directly caused by bones growing, but often relate to muscle fatigue, overuse during active days, or imbalances between bone growth and muscle/tendon development during growth spurts.

The pain usually occurs in the evening or at night and can be severe enough to wake a child. It typically affects both legs and is felt in the muscles rather than the joints. Common areas include:

• Calves
• Shins
• Around the ankles
• Front of the thighs
• Behind the knees

Children are often completely fine during the day and can participate in normal activities without limping. The pains tend to come and go over weeks or months.

When to seek professional help

While growing pains are generally harmless and self-limiting, it is important to have persistent leg pain properly assessed. A podiatrist can rule out other conditions such as flat feet, Sever’s disease (heel pain), biomechanical issues, or other underlying foot and lower limb problems that can mimic or contribute to growing pain symptoms.

Contact Foot Clinic NI if your child experiences:

• Pain that is one-sided, persistent during the day, or accompanied by swelling, redness, limping, or fever
• Pain that significantly affects sleep or daily activities
• Recurring discomfort that doesn’t improve with simple home measures

How Foot Clinic NI can help

Our experienced HCPC-registered podiatrists in Bangor, Northern Ireland, specialise in paediatric foot and lower limb care (podopaediatrics). We provide a thorough assessment of your child’s feet, gait, posture, and biomechanics to identify any contributing factors.

Our approach may include:

• Detailed biomechanical examination — Assessing foot posture, muscle tightness, flexibility, and walking pattern.
• Custom orthotics or insoles — To support the feet, improve alignment, and reduce muscle strain if flat feet, high arches, or poor foot mechanics are contributing.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises — Tailored programmes to help tight muscles and tendons keep pace with bone growth.
• Footwear advice — Recommendations on supportive shoes suitable for growing children and active lifestyles.
• Pain management guidance — Including massage techniques, heat therapy, and when to use age-appropriate pain relief (such as paracetamol, as per NHS guidance).
• Reassurance and education — Helping parents understand the condition and when to monitor symptoms.

Many children respond very well to targeted podiatry intervention, often seeing significant improvement in comfort and activity levels.

Book an appointment at Foot Clinic NI

Don’t let growing pains disrupt your child’s sleep or enjoyment of play and sport. Our modern clinic in Bangor offers personalised, evidence-based care in a child-friendly environment.

Location: Unit 1A, Enterprise House, 2-4 Balloo Avenue, Bangor, BT19 7QT Phone: 028 9147 1296 Email: footclinicni@gmail.com Book online: footclinicni.janeapp.co.uk

Take the next step towards relieving your child’s discomfort. Contact Foot Clinic NI today for expert podiatry support.