Could a 3-year-old's night leg pain be growing pains or something else?

[JohnS]

My three-year-old has been complaining that his legs hurt at night for about a week now. It wakes him up crying, and the only thing that seems to help is a gentle massage. I’m wondering if this is just typical growing pains or if it’s something I should be more concerned about.

[Thomas.L]

It can feel scary when a little one cries out at night. A lot of three year olds do get growing pains—usually they ache in both legs around the calves or shins, often later in the day or at night, and a gentle massage or warm bath helps them settle. If the pain sticks around, if one leg hurts more than the other, if you notice swelling, fever, or a limp, or if the pain wakes him every night for a week, that’s a good reason to check in with your pediatrician.

[Joseph_L]

From my own experience we kept a simple log for a week: what time it started, which leg, what helped (massage, light stretching, heat), and whether he slept through the night after treatment. Nothing dramatic happened and the pains faded after a couple weeks. If you’re worried, giving your doctor a call for reassurance or to set watch-for signs can help.

[SamuelPW]

I’m not sure what to make of it either. Did this start after a growth spurt or after any injury? If it’s been steady for a week with night crying, it might still be nothing, but a quick check could rule out something you don’t want to miss.

[Emily_M]

One time I blamed a sore night on a bad mattress and ended up swapping to a firmer bed and clipping a lighter blanket; the nights got quieter for a bit, but I still kept an eye on behavior during the day. If the pain continues or shifts, or if he develops a fever or refuses to put weight on the leg, I’d call the pediatrician to be sure.