Growing Pains: This is the most common cause of leg pain in children, especially at night. The pain is typically bilateral, affecting the shin or thigh, and is thought to be related to the growth spurts during childhood.

Shin Splints: Medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, is a condition that causes pain in the shin area. It's often associated with running or jumping activities and can be exacerbated at night.
Overuse Injury: Given the specific location of the pain (shin), an overuse injury from repetitive activities such as running, dancing, or sports is a plausible diagnosis.
Stress Fracture: Although less common, a stress fracture in the tibia could cause pain in the shin area, especially if the child is involved in high-impact activities.

Osteosarcoma or Other Bone Tumors: Although rare, bone tumors such as osteosarcoma can present with pain, especially at night, and must be considered to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Infection (Osteomyelitis): An infection of the bone can cause severe pain, and while it might not be the first consideration, it's crucial to rule out due to the potential for serious complications.
Neurological Causes (e.g., Peripheral Nerve Compression): Rarely, leg pain can be caused by neurological issues such as peripheral nerve compression, which would require a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO): A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of bone inflammation, which can cause pain and might be considered if other diagnoses are ruled out.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. While rare, it could potentially cause leg pain among other symptoms.
Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause pain in the extremities, among other symptoms, due to the buildup of a particular type of fat in the body's cells.