- 7/24 Live Call Center
Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir
As a parent, it’s normal to worry when your child says they’re in pain. It’s hard to tell if it’s just growing pains or something more serious. Liv Hospital offers trusted advice to help families make sense of it all.
Growing pains vs leukemia are common in kids, happening between ages 3-12. They usually hurt in the legs, like the calves or thighs. These pains often show up in the late afternoon or evening.
But sometimes, serious issues like leukemia and other childhood cancers can look like growing pains. We’ll look at how to tell the difference. This way, you’ll know when to get your child checked by a doctor.
Growing pains are common in kids and worry parents. We’ll look at what they are, how often they happen, and when they usually occur.
Growing pains cause pain in the legs, often in the late afternoon or evening. This pain is in both legs and can be so bad it wakes kids up. The exact cause of growing pains remains unknown, but they’re thought to be linked to growth spurts.
Many kids get growing pains. Up to 40% of children experience them during their growing years. It’s more common when kids grow fast, and it’s usually not serious.
Growing pains usually hit kids between 3 and 12 years old. They’re most common in kids aged 4 to 5 and again at 8 to 12. Healthy and active kids can get growing pains too.
| Age Range | Prevalence of Growing Pains |
| 3-5 years | Commonly affected |
| 6-8 years | May experience growing pains |
| 9-12 years | Can occur, though less often |
For more on conditions that might look like growing pains, check out this resource. It talks about blood cancers that can seem like growing pains.
It’s important to know what normal growing pains look like. This helps parents and caregivers know how to comfort their kids. Normal growing pains have certain signs that make them stand out.
Growing pains usually happen in the late afternoon or evening. They can last from a few minutes to hours. The pain often affects both legs.
Timing is key in spotting growing pains. They happen when kids are resting, after being active all day. This helps tell them apart from other pains.
Growing pains mainly hurt the muscles, not the joints. They often occur in the legs, like the calf or thigh. The pain usually hits both legs the same.
It’s interesting to note that while legs are most common, some kids might feel pain in their arms. If a child complains of arm pain at night, it could be growing pains. But, it’s important to look at other signs too.
The pain from growing pains can vary a lot. Some kids might feel just a little discomfort, while others might have pain that makes it hard to sleep.
Things like massage, stretching, or heat can help ease the pain. If these don’t work, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. For example, a 7-year-old with arm pain might need a check-up to find out why.
Knowing these signs helps parents figure out if their child’s pain is just growing pains. Or if they need to see a doctor for more help.
It’s important for parents to know the difference between growing pains and leukemia. Growing pains are common and usually harmless. But, leukemia is a serious condition that can have similar symptoms. Knowing the differences helps ensure your child gets the right care.
Growing pains and leukemia have different pain patterns. Growing pains happen in the late afternoon or evening and affect both legs. Leukemia pain can happen anytime, might be in just one leg, and lasts all day.
Key differences in pain pattern:
Looking at associated symptoms is also key. Children with leukemia might have fever, weight loss, fatigue, and look pale. These symptoms are not common with growing pains.
Associated symptoms to watch for:
How pain responds to relief methods can also tell you a lot. Growing pains often get better with simple things like massage or over-the-counter pain relievers. But, leukemia pain might not get better with these and might need stronger treatment.
Parents should watch how their child responds to pain relief and get medical help if the pain doesn’t go away or if other symptoms are there.
Childhood leukemia is the most common cancer in kids. It’s a big worry for parents and doctors. Knowing about its types, how common it is, risk factors, and its effects on bones and joints is key.
There are two main types of childhood leukemia: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). ALL is the most common, making up about 80% of cases. It affects the lymphoid cells, which help fight off infections.
AML, on the other hand, affects the myeloid cells, which make different types of blood cells. Knowing the difference is important for treatment and outlook. While ALL is more common, AML is more aggressive and needs intense treatment.
ALL is the most common childhood cancer, making up about 34% of all cancers in kids. The exact cause of childhood leukemia is not known. But, some risk factors have been found. These include genetic predispositions, ionizing radiation, and certain environmental factors.
Children with genetic conditions like Down syndrome are at higher risk. Exposure to high levels of radiation also increases the risk.
Leukemia can harm bone and joint health in kids. It can cause bone pain, joint pain, and swelling. This is because cancer cells build up in the bone marrow.
This can make moving hard, cause discomfort, and even lead to fractures in severe cases.
The table below summarizes the key aspects of how leukemia affects bone and joint health:
| Symptoms | Causes | Effects |
| Bone pain, joint pain, swelling | Accumulation of cancer cells in bone marrow | Discomfort, limited mobility, possible fractures |
| Limping, refusal to walk or stand | Infiltration of leukemia cells into bones and joints | Reduced mobility, pain during movement |
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and improving life for kids with leukemia.
Leukemia is not the only childhood cancer that causes bone pain. Ewing sarcoma and neuroblastoma also lead to significant pain. It’s important to know about these cancers to spot warning signs early and get medical help fast.
Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are bone tumors that cause pain in kids. Osteosarcoma is common in teens and often affects long bones. Ewing sarcoma can happen in any bone but usually affects the pelvis, chest, or legs.
Neuroblastoma starts in the adrenal glands but can spread to bones. It can cause pain in other parts of the body, like the legs, even if the tumor is in the belly.
Neuroblastoma is known for:
Lymphoma is a cancer that can affect kids and cause bone or joint pain. It starts in the lymphatic system and can show up in many ways, including bone or joint pain.
Some important facts about lymphoma are:
It’s important to know where children feel pain to tell if it’s just growing pains or something more serious. Pain can show up in different spots. Growing pains usually happen in the legs, like in the calves or behind the knees.
Knee pain in kids can be a worry, if it doesn’t go away or is very bad. While growing pains can be behind the knees, pain just in the knee might mean something else. We need to think about the child’s age, how bad the pain is, and any other symptoms.
A child with knee pain in one leg might need to see a doctor to check for things like juvenile idiopathic arthritis or other bone problems. We should also think about injuries, infections, or pain from other places.
Pain in the upper thigh, mainly in one leg, needs careful thought. It could be from muscle strains or even serious problems like bone tumors or leukemia. Pain in the upper thigh can also come from the hip or lower back.
If a child has upper thigh pain in one leg, watch for signs like limping, swelling, or fever. These signs can help figure out what’s wrong and what to do next.
| Pain Location | Possible Causes | Associated Symptoms to Watch For |
| Knee Pain | Growing pains, injuries, juvenile idiopathic arthritis | Swelling, redness, limited mobility |
| Upper Thigh Pain | Muscle strains, bone tumors, leukemia | Limping, fever, weight loss |
Knowing where pain is and what it might mean helps parents and caregivers decide when to get medical help. It’s always safer to be cautious with children’s health.
When kids say their leg hurts, parents worry. Growing pains often hit both legs, but one-sided pain can mean something serious. We’ll look at why one leg pain matters in kids of different ages. This will help you know when to see a doctor.
Young kids, 2-3 years old, complaining of leg pain is scary. They can’t always tell us what hurts. So, watching their behavior and for other signs is important.
If a child limps, won’t walk, or gets upset when you touch their leg, it’s a red flag. These signs might mean they need a doctor.
Pain in one leg in young kids could be from infections, injuries, or even rare diseases like leukemia. We’ll talk more about these later.
Kids 4-5 years old might tell you more about their pain. But, if it’s in one leg and doesn’t go away, worry. They could have broken bones or sprains that aren’t easy to see.
Also, infections or inflammatory diseases could cause one leg pain. Keep an eye out for fever, tiredness, or not wanting to eat, as these can be signs of something serious.
Older kids, 6-8 years old, might have one leg pain for different reasons. It could be from too much activity or something more serious. It’s important to figure out what kind of pain it is.
Keeping a pain diary can help. Write down when the pain happens, how long it lasts, and any other symptoms. This info is very helpful when you talk to doctors.
| Age Group | Potential Causes of One-Sided Leg Pain | Key Symptoms to Watch |
| 2-3 Years | Infections, injuries, leukemia | Limping, refusal to walk, signs of distress |
| 4-5 Years | Injuries (fractures, sprains), infections, inflammatory conditions | Changes in behavior, fever, fatigue |
| 6-8 Years | Overuse injuries, serious health conditions | Pain characteristics, duration, intensity |
In conclusion, one-sided leg pain in kids is worrying, but knowing the details helps. If you’re unsure, always check with a doctor.
Arm pain in kids is not as common as leg pain, but it’s a big worry for parents. It’s important to know why kids might hurt and what it means.
Growing pains usually happen in the legs, but some kids feel pain in their arms too. While it’s not as common, arm pain can be a sign of growing pains. But, it’s key to tell normal pain from pain that might mean something serious.
Arm pain can mean something serious, like leukemia or other cancers in kids. Doctors say that if arm pain lasts or is very bad, it’s important to check it out.
If a 7-year-old says their arm hurts, we need to think about a few things. We should look at how long the pain lasts, how bad it is, and if it’s with other symptoms. We also need to see if it’s affecting their daily life or sleep.
Nighttime arm pain worries parents a lot. Some pain during growth is okay, but if it’s constant or really bad, it might mean something serious needs to be checked.
Growing pains are common in kids, but some symptoms need quick medical help. It’s important for parents to know these signs for timely care.
Leg pain with body-wide symptoms might mean a serious issue. These symptoms affect the whole body, not just one area. Some signs include:
These symptoms with leg pain need immediate doctor visits. They could signal serious problems, like leukemia or cancer.
| Systemic Symptom | Possible Indication |
| Unexplained Fever | Infection or illness |
| Night Sweats | Underlying illness or cancer |
| Unexplained Weight Loss | Cancer or chronic illness |
| Fatigue | Anemia or cancer |
| Unexplained Bruising/Bleeding | Blood cell disorders |
Changes in how a child moves or functions are also warning signs. This includes:
These changes could mean a serious problem that needs quick doctor visits. We should worry if these changes last or come with other body-wide symptoms.
Knowing these red flags and when to see a doctor helps kids get the care they need fast.
The diagnostic process is key to finding out why your child is in pain. It’s important to know what happens during a healthcare visit. The doctor will do a detailed check-up.
A thorough physical exam is a big part of finding the cause of pain. The doctor will check your child’s overall health. They look for swelling, redness, or warmth in the painful area.
They also check how well your child can move and their muscle strength. This helps find out what might be causing the pain.
Laboratory tests are often needed to find the cause of pain. These tests might include blood work, like a complete blood count (CBC). This can show if there’s an infection or other issues like leukemia.
Other tests might be done based on what the doctor thinks might be causing the pain.
Imaging studies, like X-rays or MRI scans, might be needed. They help see inside the body and find any problems. These tests can spot fractures, infections, or tumors.
Sometimes, the doctor might need to send your child to a specialist. Doctors like orthopedic surgeons or oncologists can handle specific problems. They have the knowledge to diagnose and treat certain conditions.
Knowing about the diagnostic process can make you feel better. It helps ensure your child gets the right care. Being informed and supportive can help them through this time.
Learning how to handle growing pains at home can make your child feel better and less worried. It’s key to know the difference between normal pains and signs of something serious.
For typical growing pains, comfort measures like gentle massage and stretching can help. These actions relax muscles and improve flexibility. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also ease the pain.
But, always follow the dosage instructions on these medicines. If you’re unsure, talk to your child’s doctor.
Home care works best when the pain is mild to moderate. It should not be accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness. If your child can move easily and doesn’t limp, home care is okay.
Keeping a pain diary helps track pain. Note when it happens, how long it lasts, and what might make it better or worse. This info is useful when talking to your child’s doctor.
It’s vital to support your child emotionally during growing pains. Being there and reassuring them can make them feel safer. Letting them share their feelings can also help manage their anxiety.
By using these tips, you can help your child deal with growing pains more easily.
As parents or caregivers, we aim to find a balance between being watchful and reassuring our children. It’s key to know the difference between normal growing pains and signs of childhood cancer. This ensures our kids get the right medical care when they need it.
We’ve looked at what normal growing pains are like and when they might be a sign of something serious. It’s also important to know the red flags that mean we should see a doctor right away. Being informed and watchful helps keep our kids healthy without causing too much worry.
Managing pain in children well means being both careful and reassuring. By knowing the signs of normal growing pains and when to get medical help, we can take good care of our kids. We must stay alert and work with healthcare experts to make sure our children are okay.
Growing pains are common in kids. They feel like a dull ache in both legs. This usually happens in the late afternoon or evening.
Growing pains can happen in arms, but it’s less common. If your child has arm pain, it’s important to check it out.
Normal growing pains are usually in both legs and come and go. They don’t have other symptoms like fever or losing weight. But, if the pain is constant, very bad, or with other signs, it might be serious.
Look out for pain with fever, losing weight, or feeling very tired. Also, if your child can’t move well or won’t walk, get help right away.
Yes, leukemia can cause leg pain in kids. This pain is often very bad and doesn’t go away. It also comes with other signs like fever or bruising. Unlike growing pains, leukemia pain doesn’t get better with comfort measures.
The doctor will check your child, do tests, and might take pictures. They’ll also ask about the pain and your child’s health history.
For growing pains, try massage, stretching, and heat or cold. You can also use over-the-counter pain meds with a doctor’s okay.
Pain in one leg is a worry, if it doesn’t go away, is very bad, or with swelling or trouble moving. Always check with a doctor if you’re unsure.
Yes, some cancers can hurt the arms in kids. Look out for pain that doesn’t stop, is very bad, or with swelling, redness, or trouble moving. Also, fever or losing weight is a big worry.
Keep a pain log with when it happens, how bad it is, and any other symptoms. This helps doctors understand your child’s pain better.
Be there for your child, listen to them, and reassure them. Let them share their feelings and know you believe them.
Pain in the knee or upper thigh is a big worry. It might mean something serious. Always see a doctor if you’re concerned.
A 7-year-old might have arm pain from growing pains, but it could also be something else. A doctor needs to check it out to find the cause.
