Why Do My Legs Ache at Night Like Growing Pains?

Medically reviewed by Omofolarin Arthur, DO, on September 19, 2025

If your legs ache at night with a dull, restless sensation, almost like the “growing pains” you might remember from childhood, you’re not alone. Many adults experience nighttime leg pain that makes it difficult to relax, fall asleep, or stay asleep. While it may seem harmless at first, recurring nighttime leg aches are often a sign of underlying vein issues, especially if you also notice varicose veins, swelling, or heaviness in your legs.

The good news? You don’t have to live with that nightly discomfort. Understanding what’s happening inside your veins and knowing when to seek care can help you finally get the rest your body needs. In this blog, Dr. Omofolarin Arthur, DO, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) in North Carolina’s Greensboro (North Elam Ave.) vein clinic, discusses some of the main reasons leg pains can resemble “growing pains,” why this pain can worsen at night, and what you can do to find comfort.

👉 Don’t ignore persistent nighttime leg pain. Schedule a consultation with CVR today and discover if vein disease is the underlying cause. Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 or click below to book a consultation at a CVR vein clinic near you.

📅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Arthur at CVR’s Greensboro (North Elam Ave.) vein clinic, CLICK HERE. 

📅To schedule an appointment at any of CVR’s 120+ vein clinics nationwide, CLICK HERE.

Nighttime Leg Aches: Common Causes

The Mayo Clinic describes growing pains as a throbbing or aching sensation that children sometimes experience behind the knees, in the front of the thighs, or in the calves, often occurring at nighttime. When adults describe their legs as “aching like growing pains,” the culprit is often chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This condition happens when the tiny valves inside your leg veins stop working efficiently. Instead of moving blood upward toward the heart, weakened valves allow blood to pool in the lower legs, creating pressure that leads to heaviness, throbbing, or aching.

Other vein-related conditions that may contribute include:

• Varicose veins: enlarged, twisted veins that often signal high pressure inside the vein system.
• Venous reflux: backward blood flow that adds to heaviness and discomfort.
• Swelling (edema): fluid buildup in the ankles and calves.

While vein disease is a common cause, leg pain at night can also stem from other conditions such as arthritis, restless legs syndrome, or muscle cramps. That’s why it’s important to distinguish vein-related symptoms from other issues.

Nighttime Leg Pain: Vein-Related or Not?

Not all leg pain is the same. Here are clues that point specifically toward vein problems rather than muscle or joint issues:

• Pain feels like a dull ache, heaviness, or throbbing (rather than sharp cramping or joint stiffness).
• Symptoms worsen after sitting or standing for long periods and improve when you elevate your legs.
• Visible changes in your veins, such as varicose or spider veins.
• Swelling in the lower legs that gets worse by evening.

Another difference? Restless legs syndrome usually feels like tingling or crawling, while arthritis tends to cause joint pain rather than diffuse aching in the calves or thighs. If your pain lines up with the signs above, circulation issues in your veins may be to blame.

Why Vein-Related Leg Pain Worsens at Night

Many patients are puzzled by the timing: shouldn’t resting help your legs feel better? Here’s why nighttime often makes vein-related pain more noticeable:

1. Circulation slows down when you’re still. During the day, movement helps pump blood upward. At night, your calf muscles aren’t working, so blood flow is reduced.
2. Your body is quieter. With fewer distractions, you become more aware of the dull, heavy pain in your legs.
3. Daytime strain catches up. Hours of sitting or standing put pressure on your veins, and that pressure often peaks in the evening.
4. Swelling presses on tissues. Fluid retained in your legs throughout the day can increase nighttime aching.

So, while the root problem develops throughout the day, bedtime is when the discomfort comes to the surface.

Leg Pain at Night: When to See a Vein Specialist

Occasional soreness after a long day is common. But recurrent or chronic nighttime leg pain is a signal worth paying attention to, especially if you notice these red flags:

• Persistent aching or throbbing that interferes with sleep.
• Varicose veins or spider veins that are becoming more visible.
• Daily swelling in your ankles or calves that returns even after rest.
• Skin changes near your ankles, such as discoloration, dryness, or thickening.
• Worsening restless feelings or leg cramps at night.

These symptoms often indicate progressing vein disease, which can continue to worsen if left untreated. A vein specialist can perform a quick, painless ultrasound exam to identify circulation problems and recommend treatment before complications develop. 

What Can You Do Right Now to Ease Nighttime Leg Pain?

Lasting relief often requires treating the underlying vein problem, but there are simple steps you can try at home to make evenings more comfortable. Elevating your legs on a pillow for 15 to 20 minutes before bed can help reduce pressure. Additionally, wearing medical-grade compression stockings during the day may minimize swelling. Gentle movement, such as walking or doing calf stretches, also supports healthy circulation. Meanwhile, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing without breaks and staying hydrated can make a noticeable difference. 

Remember: these strategies may bring temporary relief, but they will not stop vein disease from progressing. If nighttime pain continues to affect your quality of life, it may be a sign that home care alone isn’t enough. Seeking a professional evaluation can help identify the root cause and open the door to more effective, lasting solutions.

Modern Vein Treatments Make Lasting Relief Possible

If you’ve been wondering about the cause of your nighttime leg pain, the answer may lie in your vein health. Conditions such as venous insufficiency and varicose veins are not just cosmetic; they are medical issues that can significantly affect your quality of life.

The encouraging news is that vein disease is highly treatable. At CVR, our specialists offer minimally invasive procedures designed to restore circulation and relieve symptoms without the need for surgery or lengthy downtime. Common vein treatment options include:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Tiny catheters use gentle heat to close off unhealthy veins, allowing healthy veins to take over blood flow.
• Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: A safe medication is injected directly into diseased veins, causing them to collapse and fade away over time.
• VenaSeal: A medical adhesive seals problem veins quickly, often with minimal post-treatment discomfort.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Small surface varicose veins are removed through micro-incisions, leaving little to no scarring.

These procedures are done in-office, typically take less than an hour, and most patients are back on their feet the same day. Beyond relieving nighttime aching, treatment can also reduce swelling, improve cosmetic symptoms, and prevent future complications.

👉 Don’t let vein pain steal your sleep. Schedule your consultation today with CVR and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs. Contact our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 or click below to book a consultation at a CVR vein clinic near you.