Growing Pains: A Positive, Practical Approach to Helping Children Thrive

Growing pains are one of those childhood experiences that can feel worrying in the moment but are, in most cases, a normal part of development. At Bodyright, our approach is always grounded in reassurance, clarity, and safety: we first rule out any more serious causes of pain, and then focus on what we most commonly see in practice—underlying biomechanical factors that can be gently supported and improved.

The good news is that for many children, growing pains respond very well when we address how their bodies are moving, loading, and adapting.

First things first: ruling out anything more serious

Whenever a child presents with persistent or recurring leg pain, it’s important not to assume it’s “just growing pains.” A careful assessment helps ensure there are no red flags or underlying conditions that need medical attention.

At Bodyright, this step is essential. We look at:

• Pain patterns (when it occurs, how long it lasts, and what triggers it)

• Physical signs (swelling, redness, joint warmth, or asymmetry)

• Impact on activity and sleep

• Overall health history

Once more serious causes are confidently excluded, we can shift focus toward the far more common and often overlooked contributors: biomechanics.

The biomechanics behind growing pains

Many children with so-called “growing pains” actually present with patterns that suggest their musculoskeletal system is working a little harder than it needs to. As they grow rapidly, bones can lengthen faster than muscles and tendons adapt, temporarily creating tension and fatigue.

Three common contributors we frequently see are:

1. Flat feet (pronation patterns)

Flat feet are very common in children and often part of normal development. However, in some cases, excessive pronation can influence alignment further up the chain—affecting knees, hips, and even posture.

This can lead to:

• Increased muscular fatigue in the legs

• Overuse of certain muscle groups

• Reduced efficiency in movement

Supporting foot strength and improving lower-limb alignment can often make a noticeable difference. If you're unsure about how your children's feet are, our paediatric physios are experienced in assessing flat foot conditions. We always aim to strengthen feet, and where necessary can prescribe custom insoles/orthotics to help their feet develop in a better position. 

2. Hypermobility

Some children are naturally more flexible, which can be a wonderful trait—but it can also mean their joints rely more heavily on muscular support for stability.

When hypermobility is present, we often see:

• Muscle fatigue after activity

• A tendency to “overstretch” rather than control movement

• Increased demand on stabilising muscles

The focus here is not restriction, but control—building strength and coordination so the body feels more supported and resilient.

3. Muscle imbalance and load distribution

Rapid growth can temporarily disrupt the balance between different muscle groups. Some muscles become overactive while others lag behind, especially around the calves, thighs, and hips.

This can result in:

• Localised soreness, particularly at night

• A feeling of “heavy legs”

• Reduced tolerance to running or sports

Targeted movement and strengthening strategies can help restore balance and reduce symptoms over time.

Why growing pains often appear at night

A common feature of growing pains is that they tend to appear in the evening or overnight. After a full day of activity, tired muscles and developing tissues can become more sensitive, especially if they’ve been working harder than ideal due to alignment or control issues.

Importantly, children are usually pain-free in the morning and fully active during the day—another reason why reassurance is such a powerful part of care.

Our approach at Bodyright

At Bodyright, we don’t just label symptoms—we look for patterns.

Our approach typically includes:

• A thorough biomechanical assessment

• Identifying contributing factors such as foot posture, joint control, and movement patterns

• Simple, child-friendly strengthening and coordination exercises

• Education for parents so they understand what’s happening and why

• A focus on confidence, movement, and long-term resilience

Most importantly, we aim to remove fear from the experience. Growing pains are common, and with the right understanding, they are also very manageable.

A positive outlook

Growing pains are often a sign of a body that is developing quickly and adapting in real time. While uncomfortable, they are usually temporary and highly responsive to simple, targeted interventions once underlying factors are addressed.

With the right support, children don’t just “grow out of it”—they grow through it with better strength, control, and confidence in how their bodies move.

At Bodyright, that’s always the goal: not just symptom relief, but better movement for life.