Growing Pains in Children: Why They’re So Common in May (And When to Get Them Checked)

If your child has started complaining of sore legs at night, aching knees after sport, or “tired” legs that seem to come and go, you’re not alone. At BodyRight Physiotherapy Clinic in Drogheda, we see a big increase in children with growing pains every May — and there’s a good reason for it.

Late spring and early summer are a peak time for growth and activity in children. Longer evenings mean more running around, sports seasons are in full swing, and many children experience growth spurts around this time. All of that can place extra strain on young, developing bodies.

The good news? Growing pains are common, usually harmless, and very manageable with the right support.

What Are Growing Pains?

Despite the name, growing pains aren’t caused by bones “hurting as they grow”. They’re more commonly linked to muscle fatigue, tightness and overload in active, growing children.

They often show up as:

• Aching or throbbing pain in the legs (calves, thighs or behind the knees)

• Pain in both legs rather than just one

• Discomfort in the evening or at night

• Little or no pain in the morning

• No obvious injury or swelling

Many children can run, jump and play as normal during the day, then complain of sore legs once they slow down.

Why Are Growing Pains More Common in May?

May is a perfect storm for growing pains. Children are often:

• Growing quickly due to seasonal growth spurts

• Training or playing sport more frequently

• Spending longer outdoors in the evenings

• Less structured with rest and recovery

As bones lengthen, muscles and tendons need time to adapt. When activity increases faster than the body can adjust, muscles fatigue more easily — leading to pain later in the day.

The Role of Activity and Sport

Children involved in football, GAA, dance, athletics, gymnastics and swimming are especially prone to growing pains at this time of year. Repetitive running, jumping and kicking place extra load on muscles that are already working hard to keep up with growth.

This doesn’t mean your child should stop being active. It simply means their body may need a bit of extra support during this phase.

And What About Nutrition?

A healthy balanced diet, with enough hydration is important all round for children, and helps to keep energy levels balanced. Supplementation with Vit D in the winter months is recommended in Ireland and can help with pain sensitivity. Low magnesium can contribute to muscles aches and cramps, and can be boosted with epsom salt baths. SOme kids find Junior Magnesium cream rubbed into their muscles soothing. A warm bath with some Epsom salt baths in another way of soaking up some Magnesium as well as including nuts and seeds and greens in their diet. For a kid and muscle friendly snack try banana slices with nut or seed butter!

How Physiotherapy Helps Growing Pains

At BodyRight Physiotherapy in Drogheda, we look at the whole child — not just where it hurts. A physiotherapy assessment may include:

• Movement, posture and coordination checks

• Muscle strength and flexibility assessment

• Screening for joint hypermobility, which is common in children and can lead to tired, aching limbs — especially at night

• Assessment of foot mechanics, as flat feet, poor foot control or lack of support can place extra strain on the legs

• Review of activity levels, sport and recovery

• Screening for growth-related conditions

Hypermobility and poor foot mechanics are two very common contributors to evening and night-time leg aches in children. Identifying these early allows us to support the body more effectively as it grows.

Treatment is gentle, age-appropriate and focused on helping your child feel more comfortable and confident. We also give parents practical guidance to use at home.

Simple Ways to Help at Home

Many children benefit from:

• Gentle stretching in the evening

• Warm baths before bed

• Light massage of sore muscles

• Ensuring rest days between intense activities

• Supportive footwear for sport and play

• Regular meals and nourishing snacks

These small steps often make a big difference.

When Growing Pains Might Be Something Else

While growing pains are common, it’s worth getting checked if:

• Pain is persistent or worsening

• Pain is only on one side

• There is swelling, redness or limping

• Pain is present first thing in the morning

• Your child avoids activity due to pain

• Night pain regularly disrupts sleep

In these cases, a physiotherapy assessment can help rule out other causes and give you peace of mind.

Supporting Growing Bodies at BodyRight Physiotherapy, Drogheda

At BodyRight Physiotherapy Clinic, our Chartered Physiotherapists regularly work with children and families across Drogheda and the surrounding areas. We understand growing bodies, busy schedules and how worrying it can be when your child is in pain.

If you’re unsure whether your child’s aches are “just growing pains”, it’s always worth getting them checked. Early reassurance and support can help your child stay active, comfortable and confident as they grow.