Are Growing Pains a Serious Disease?

Question

How painful are growing pains?

Answer

Growing pains refer to recurring leg pain during a child’s growth and development, which often occurs between the ages of 3-5 or 8-12 years old. The pain is most commonly felt in the back of the knee, front of the thigh, or back of the calf. The pain usually strikes in the afternoon or at night, and occasionally wakes children up. Some children may be more sensitive to pain, but growing pains do not affect a child’s growth and development.