When do growing pains most commonly occur?

Growing pains are commonly experienced by children and typically manifest during the evening or nighttime hours. These pains often occur after a day of physical activity and are characterized by a dull, ache in the legs, particularly in the shins, calves, or thighs.

The occurrence at nighttime is significant because it aligns with common reports from parents and caregivers who frequently notice that their children may complain of pain when they are settling down for bed. The discomfort usually resolves by morning, which reinforces the association with nighttime. Identifying this time frame can help differentiate growing pains from other potential causes of leg pain that may occur at different times of day, especially since these pains do not typically interfere with daily activities or sleep.

Understanding the timing of growing pains is essential in providing reassurance to families and helping them differentiate between benign issues and those that may require further investigation.