A case of restless legs syndrome in a child presenting with growing pains

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that often has a profound impact on sleep 1) . The etiology is unknown, but is related to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and family history. There are four essential criteria for diagnosis of RLS in adults 1) . First, there should be an urge or unpleasant sensation to move the legs; second, those urges begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity; third, the urges are partially or totally relieved by movement; and fourth, they worsen in the evening or night. Criteria for the diagnosis of definite RLS in children are stricter. First, the child must meet all the essential criteria for RLS in adults. In addition, they should relate a description, in his or her own words, that is consistent with leg discomfort or meet two out of three supportive criteria. Supportive criteria include: (a) sleep disturbance for age, (b) a biological parent or sibling