Dr Steven Singh treating a young patient at Melbourne Sports Podiatry
Open Mon–Sat

Growing Pains Treatment in Melbourne

Expert assessment and care to help your child stay active, balanced and pain-free during growth.

Open Mon–SatHICAPS AvailableAHPRA-Registered Clinicians3 Melbourne LocationsSports-Focused ExpertiseEvidence-Based CareNo Referral Required15+ Years ExperienceOpen Mon–SatHICAPS AvailableAHPRA-Registered Clinicians3 Melbourne LocationsSports-Focused ExpertiseEvidence-Based CareNo Referral Required15+ Years Experience
Growing Pains & Growth Checks

Your child's body is rapidly changing throughout their development. Although growth is usually steady and consistent, children occasionally go through rapid periods of change that can lead to growing pains - technically known as osteochondritis dissecans.

Growing pains are not something you should expect children to simply grow out of. Like any pain, there can be many different factors contributing or coexisting which are important to rule out and treat. Our growth checks assess your child's muscles and joints, treat existing imbalances and prevent future risks.

Young boy jumping through hoops during outdoor activity
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Claim your rebate on the spot. Walk out paying less.

HICAPS terminals at every clinic mean your private health rebate is processed instantly — you only pay the gap. No referral required, Medicare EPC and DVA accepted.

  • HICAPS at all clinics
  • Medicare EPC accepted
  • DVA accepted
  • No referral needed

Health funds we accept

AAMI
Medibank
Suncorp
Health Insurance
Frank
Bupa
HCF
Allianz

Plus all major HICAPS-affiliated funds. Bring your card, claim on the day.

Signs Your Child May Have Growing Pains

Growing pains commonly affect children during periods of rapid development. The pain often occurs in the legs and can be triggered or worsened by physical activity. If your child is complaining about leg, knee or heel pain, it is worth having them assessed.

  • Pain in the heels, knees or legs during or after activity
  • Limping or reluctance to participate in sports
  • Complaints of soreness after school or training
  • Pain that worsens during growth spurts
  • Tightness or stiffness in the legs
  • Pain that disrupts sleep or daily activities
Children sitting together showing their bare feet
Contributing Factors

What Causes Growing Pains?

Growing pains are often caused by imbalances between skeletal growth (growth spurts) and muscular tightness - two separate changes that occur during development. These imbalances can be worsened by lifestyle factors and activity levels.

01
Rapid skeletal growth outpacing muscle development
02
Extended time sitting at desks or in front of screens
03
Sports requiring repetitive one-sided movements
04
Insufficient stretching or strengthening routines
05
Poor footwear not supporting growing feet
06
High training loads without adequate recovery
Growth Check Assessment

Our growth checks are comprehensive check-ups that assess your child's muscles and joints, identify any existing imbalances and create a plan to address them. Just like a tree with a mild bend will grow towards one side, a child with an imbalanced foundation could experience continued pain and more imbalances in the future.

  • Full muscle and joint assessment
  • Gait and posture analysis
  • Strength and flexibility testing
  • X-rays if needed to rule out blood supply-related growing pains
Steve Singh examining a young patient's knee

Why Choose MSP?

We combine clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach to get you back on your feet.

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Sports-Focused

Decades of combined experience treating foot, ankle, and movement concerns.

Evidence-Based Plan

Every plan is guided by proven research and tailored to your lifestyle.

Preventive Approach

We focus on identifying risks early to keep you moving comfortably.

Convenient Clinic Locations

Easily accessible clinics in Brighton, Richmond, and South Melbourne.

Collaborative Care

We work with your GP, physio, or coach for consistent recovery support.

Easy HICAPS Claims

Simple, instant health-fund claiming at every appointment.

Treatment & Management

Treatment focuses on correcting existing imbalances and helping your child stay active through the period where growing pains are present. We create a plan that works with their sport, school and daily routine.

Correct stretching program for tight muscles
Strengthening exercises for opposing muscle groups
Footwear advice for school and sport
Activity modification plan to stay active through recovery
Self-Care Guide

Prevention & Long-Term Development

Once an imbalance has been created, it can alter the way your child develops physically over time. Proactive care and regular growth checks can help prevent problems before they become entrenched.

1

Regular stretching routines, especially during growth spurts

2

Balanced physical activity across different sports

3

Appropriate footwear for growing feet

4

Limit extended periods of sitting or screen time

5

Regular growth check-ups during development

6

Early intervention when pain first appears

Consultation Fees & Rebates

No referral is needed for your child's growth check. Our clinics accept most private health rebates, Medicare (with eligible referrals), TAC and WorkCover. Contact us to discuss your best options and book in.

Frequently Asked Questions

While growing pains are common, they should not be dismissed as something your child will simply grow out of. Pain always has a cause, and early assessment can prevent small imbalances from becoming larger problems as your child develops.
Growing pains most commonly occur during periods of rapid growth, typically between ages 3-5 and again between 8-12. However, they can occur at any age during childhood and adolescence, particularly in active children.
Not necessarily. We create a plan that allows your child to stay as active as possible while managing their symptoms. Complete rest is rarely the best approach. Modified activity combined with stretching and strengthening is usually more effective.
We recommend a growth check during rapid growth periods or whenever your child reports persistent leg, knee or heel pain. For active children in competitive sports, an annual check-up can help catch imbalances early.
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Melbourne Sports Podiatry at our Brighton, Richmond or South Melbourne clinics.

Our Clinics

Three convenient locations across Melbourne. Choose the clinic closest to you.

Call: 1300 332 201
Brighton clinic

Brighton

110 Bay Street

Richmond clinic

Richmond

329 Lennox Street

South Melbourne clinic

South Melbourne

3/186 York St