Understanding Growing Pains in Children: Why Your Kiddo’s Nighttime Leg Pain Isn’t “Just Normal”

Understanding Growing Pains in Children: Why Your Kiddo’s Nighttime Leg Pain Isn’t “Just Normal”

It’s 2 AM, and you hear that familiar cry from down the hallway. Your little one is awake again, tears streaming down their face, clutching their legs and saying they hurt so badly they can’t sleep. You rub their calves, offer comfort, and wonder if this is just part of childhood – those mysterious “growing pains” everyone talks about. But deep down, something tells you there might be more to the story.

Mom and dad, let me start by saying this: you’re not imagining things, and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. When your child experiences leg pain at night, muscle aches, or what seems like restless legs, your parental instincts are right to be concerned. While growing pains in children are incredibly common, they’re not something you have to just accept as “normal.”

At River City Wellness here in South Austin, we see families dealing with growing pains every single week. These parents come to us exhausted, worried, and often feeling dismissed by others who say “it’s just growing pains.” But here’s what we’ve learned through years of neurologically-focused pediatric care: when we support your child’s nervous system properly, those painful nights can become a thing of the past.

The Real Story Behind Growing Pains Children Experience

Let’s clear up a common misconception right away. Growing pains aren’t actually caused by growth spurts. Research has shown us that children experiencing these symptoms don’t grow any faster or differently than those who don’t have pain. So what’s really happening in your kiddo’s body?

The answer lies in their nervous system – specifically, how well their brain and body are communicating with each other. When there’s interference in this communication system, it can show up as muscle tension, poor circulation, disrupted sleep patterns, and yes, those dreaded nighttime leg pains.

Think of your child’s nervous system like the electrical system in your home. When everything is wired correctly and functioning smoothly, the lights turn on when you flip the switch, the air conditioning maintains the right temperature, and everything just works. But when there’s a problem with the wiring – maybe from the house settling, electrical storms, or general wear and tear – you might notice flickering lights, inconsistent temperatures, or circuits that trip unexpectedly.

Your little one’s nervous system works similarly. When there’s interference – what we call subluxation – the communication between their brain and body gets disrupted. This can lead to muscle tension that builds up throughout the day and becomes most noticeable at night when they’re trying to rest.

What Creates the Perfect Storm for Growing Pains

In our Circle C office, we often explain to parents that growing pains rarely appear out of nowhere. Instead, they’re usually the result of what we call “The Perfect Storm” – a combination of physical, chemical, and emotional stressors that overwhelm your child’s developing nervous system.

When these stressors pile up faster than your child’s nervous system can adapt, symptoms like growing pains often emerge. The good news? Once we identify and address the root cause, your kiddo’s body has an amazing ability to heal and function properly again.

Recognizing the Signs: More Than Just Leg Pain at Night

While most parents in Buda and Kyle know growing pains as leg pain that happens at night, the reality is that these nervous system challenges can show up in many different ways. Here’s what we commonly see:

The classic signs include:

• Deep, aching pain in the legs, usually in the calves, shins, or behind the knees
• Pain that occurs primarily in the evening or at night
• Pain that seems to come and go – your child might be fine during the day
• Both legs are typically affected, though not necessarily at the same time
• Pain that responds temporarily to massage, heat, or gentle movement

But we also see these related symptoms that parents might not connect:

• Restless legs – your child can’t seem to get comfortable or stop moving their legs
• Frequent waking at night, even when there’s no obvious pain
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Muscle aches in other areas like the arms or back
• Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity
• Fatigue during the day from poor sleep quality
• Complaints of headaches or neck tension

How We Help Families at River City Wellness

When you bring your little one to our South Austin practice, we take a completely different approach than what you might have experienced elsewhere. Instead of just managing symptoms, we focus on finding and correcting the root cause of your child’s growing pains.

Dr. Peter Martinez, Dr. Sean Forbes, and Dr. Antonia have spent years specializing in neurologically-focused pediatric care. They understand that every child’s nervous system is unique, and what’s causing growing pains in your kiddo might be completely different from what’s affecting the child in the next room.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

We use state-of-the-art technology and gentle examination techniques specifically designed for children. Our goal is to understand exactly how your child’s nervous system is functioning and where we need to provide support.

You can learn more about what to expect during your first visit by reading about our comprehensive consultation process.

Gentle, Effective Care That Works

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is, “Is chiropractic care safe for my child?” The answer is absolutely yes – when it’s performed by doctors trained specifically in pediatric techniques.

The techniques we use at River City Wellness are nothing like adult chiropractic care. There’s no cracking, popping, or forceful movements. Instead, we use light touch, gentle pressure, and specialized instruments designed specifically for children’s delicate spines and nervous systems.

What makes our approach different:

• We focus on removing interference from the nervous system rather than just treating symptoms
• Our adjustments are incredibly gentle and completely safe for children of all ages
• We create a fun, welcoming environment where kids actually look forward to their visits
• We educate families on lifestyle factors that support nervous system health
• We track progress not just through pain reduction, but improved sleep, better mood, and overall wellness

What to Expect: Your Child’s Healing Journey

Every child responds to care differently, but there are some common patterns we see when treating growing pains in children. Understanding this timeline can help set realistic expectations for your family’s journey.

Remember, every child is unique. Some kiddos see improvements within days, while others may need a few weeks to show significant changes. The important thing is that we’re addressing the root cause, not just masking symptoms.

Supporting Your Child at Home

While professional care is crucial for addressing the nervous system component of growing pains, there are many things you can do at home to support your child’s healing and comfort. Here are our top recommendations for families in Kyle and throughout the Austin area:

These home strategies work best when combined with professional care that addresses the underlying nervous system dysfunction. Think of them as supporting players in your child’s healing team, with neurologically-focused chiropractic care as the star quarterback.

Addressing Developmental Concerns

Sometimes, growing pains can be part of a broader picture of developmental challenges. If your child is also experiencing issues with focus, behavior, coordination, or other developmental milestones, it’s important to address these concerns comprehensively.

At River City Wellness, we often work with families who are navigating developmental delays with confidence. The nervous system dysfunction that contributes to growing pains can also impact other areas of development, which is why our whole-child approach is so effective.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Pains

How do I know if my child’s leg pain is growing pains or something more serious?

Growing pains typically occur at night, affect both legs, come and go in episodes, and don’t cause limping during the day. If your child has fever, swelling, redness, persistent limping, or pain that’s getting progressively worse, seek medical attention. When in doubt, trust your instincts – you know your child best.

At what age do growing pains typically start and stop?

Growing pains most commonly occur in two age groups: 3-5 years old and 8-12 years old. However, some children may experience them outside these ranges. The good news is that with proper nervous system support, most children can find relief regardless of their age.

Is chiropractic care really safe for young children?

Absolutely. Pediatric chiropractic techniques are incredibly gentle – we use about the same pressure you’d use to check if a tomato is ripe. Our doctors are specifically trained in pediatric care and use techniques designed for children’s developing spines. Adverse events are extremely rare when care is provided by qualified pediatric chiropractors.

How long does it typically take to see improvement in growing pains?

Every child is different, but many families notice improvements in sleep quality and pain frequency within the first few weeks of care. Significant improvement typically occurs within 6-12 weeks. The key is consistency with care and addressing all aspects of your child’s health – nervous system function, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

Can growing pains affect other aspects of my child’s health?

Yes, the nervous system dysfunction that contributes to growing pains can also impact sleep quality, mood, focus, and overall well-being. Many families find that addressing growing pains through nervous system care also improves their child’s behavior, attention, and emotional regulation.

Your Child Deserves Peaceful Nights

Mom and dad, your child doesn’t have to suffer through growing pains as just a “normal part of childhood.” When your little one is waking up in pain, when you’re losing sleep worried about their discomfort, when you’ve been told “they’ll grow out of it” – trust your instincts that there’s a better way.

At River City Wellness, we’ve helped hundreds of families in South Austin, Buda, Kyle, and Circle C find lasting relief from growing pains. We understand that behind every case is a worried parent and a child who just wants to sleep peacefully through the night.

The nervous system approach to growing pains isn’t about quick fixes or temporary relief. It’s about getting to the root cause of why your child’s body is creating these symptoms in the first place and supporting their natural ability to heal and function properly.

Every child deserves to experience the joy of childhood without being limited by pain. Every parent deserves to feel confident that they’re giving their child the best possible foundation for health and development.

Article Summary: Growing pains in children are often a sign of nervous system dysfunction rather than normal development. Common symptoms include leg pain at night, muscle aches, and restless legs. Through neurologically-focused chiropractic care, many children find lasting relief from growing pains while improving overall health and sleep quality. River City Wellness in South Austin specializes in gentle, effective pediatric care that addresses the root causes of growing pains. Last Updated: January 2026