Patient question

My child wakes at night with knee pain. Is it growing pains?

Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Quick answer

Many young children have growing pains: aches in both legs, often around or behind the knees, in the evening or night, that ease with rubbing and are gone by morning. Pain in one knee only, a limp, swelling, fever or pain during the day are not typical and need a medical review, explains Dr. Pablo Gelber, knee surgeon at Aman Hospital in Doha.

What growing pains usually look like

Usually between about three and twelve years old
Aching in both legs, in the thighs, calves or behind the knees, not in the joint itself
Comes on in the late evening or wakes the child at night, often after an active day
Eases with rubbing, warmth or a cuddle
The child is completely well the next morning, runs and plays normally, with no limp

The name is misleading, as growth itself does not seem to cause the pain. The exact cause is not known, and it is not harmful.

Signs it is not growing pains

Pain always in one knee or one leg
A limp, or the child avoids walking or putting weight on the leg
Swelling, redness or warmth of the knee
Fever, tiredness, weight loss or night sweats
Pain that is present during the day as well, or getting worse over weeks
Pain that wakes the child and does not settle with comfort
Pain after an injury

In older children and teenagers, one-sided night pain also needs checking. Osgood-Schlatter disease, osteochondritis dissecans and kneecap problems cause activity pain, but persistent night pain may need imaging to rule out a bone problem. Hip problems in children can also show up as knee pain.

What parents can do

For typical growing pains, gentle massage, a warm bath, stretching the calf and thigh muscles and a suitable children's pain reliever, given as advised by a pharmacist, are often enough. Keep a note of when the pain happens and which leg is affected. It helps the doctor if a visit is needed.

When to see a doctor in Doha

Seek urgent care the same day if your child has a fever with a painful, swollen knee, or cannot walk. Book a review if any other warning sign above is present, or if night pains are frequent and you are unsure.

At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber examines the knee and the hip, and arranges X-rays or blood tests when the pattern is not typical of growing pains.

Frequently asked questions

Can growing pains happen in only one leg?

Typical growing pains affect both legs, even if not always on the same night. Pain that is always in the same knee or leg should be assessed by a doctor.

Should I stop my child doing sport because of night leg pains?

Not for typical growing pains, which are not harmful. If pain is linked to a specific sport, centres on one knee, or causes a limp, have it examined first.