Children often complain of aches as they grow, but not every recurring foot or leg pain should be written off as ‘growing pains.’ Understanding the difference can help parents know when reassurance is enough and when a podiatric evaluation may uncover a treatable cause.
Are growing pains really caused by growing?
Many parents are told that aching feet or legs are simply ‘growing pains.’ The name can be misleading. Classic growing pains are a recognized childhood pain pattern, but they are not believed to be caused by bones growing. They typically involve both legs, occur later in the day or at night, and are gone by morning. A child should not have a persistent swelling, redness, limping, or a specific tender spot that continues to hurt.
When pain should not be dismissed
Foot, heel, or ankle pain that repeatedly limits play or sports deserves a closer look. In growing children, discomfort may come from conditions such as heel growth-plate irritation (often called Sever’s disease), flat feet or overpronation, tight heel cords, overuse from sports, or shoes that do not provide the right fit and support. These problems are common, and many respond well to simple conservative care once the cause is identified.
What parents should watch for
Schedule an evaluation if pain is consistently on one side, occurs during the day or first thing in the morning, causes a limp, is associated with swelling or redness, follows an injury, or keeps a child from normal activities. Pain that is worsening, very focal, or accompanied by a fever or illness should not be labeled as ‘just growing pains.’ A foot and ankle examination can help separate a normal childhood pain pattern from a condition that may benefit from treatment.
At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute, we evaluate children’s feet, ankles, gait, flexibility, footwear, and activity level to determine why pain is occurring. Treatment may be as simple as stretching, activity modification, better-fitting supportive shoes, temporary inserts or orthotics, and guidance on returning safely to sports. Our goal is to keep children active while addressing the source of discomfort rather than assuming they will simply outgrow it.
Every child is different. Persistent pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. When a child repeatedly complains of foot or leg pain, a professional evaluation can provide reassurance when everything is normal – and help identify treatable problems when they are not.
