If your child complains about uncomfortable leg sensations that worsen at rest and improve with movement, it could be Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). RLS is often underdiagnosed in children because kids struggle to describe the strange feelings. Good news: it's very treatable, often with simple measures like addressing iron deficiency. Your bachcha's pair mein bechaini can be managed!
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RLS is a neurological condition causing:
How children describe it:
Important: Children often can't explain their symptoms well, so RLS is frequently misdiagnosed as "growing pains" or hyperactivity!
| Sensation | Description |
|---|---|
| Creeping/crawling | Like insects moving under skin |
| Tingling | Pins and needles feeling |
| Pulling | Muscles feel like they're being stretched |
| Itching | Deep itch that can't be scratched |
| Aching | Discomfort deep in legs |
| "Fizzy" | Carbonated/bubbly sensation |
When symptoms occur:
RLS disrupts sleep by:
Iron deficiency is linked to most childhood RLS cases!
| Factor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Runs in families (ask if parents had "growing pains" or restless legs) |
| ADHD | Often occurs together |
| Certain medications | Antihistamines, some antidepressants can worsen |
| Caffeine | Can trigger or worsen symptoms |
| Chronic conditions | Kidney disease, diabetes (rare in children) |
| Feature | RLS | Growing Pains |
|---|---|---|
| Time of day | Evening/night, worse at rest | Usually after active day |
| Relief with movement | Yes! | No - pain may increase |
| Sensation type | Urge to move, strange feelings | Actual muscle pain |
| Location | Usually calves, sometimes thighs | Thighs, calves, behind knees |
| Age | Any age | Usually 3-12 years |
| Family history | Often positive | Less common |
Key difference: RLS improves with movement; growing pains don't!
See a doctor if:
Get evaluation for:
Doctor will:
Diagnostic criteria:
Sleep hygiene (neend ki aadat):
During the day:
Diet:
When symptoms strike:
Leg exercises:
Relaxation:
Before bed:
If ferritin is low (even if hemoglobin is normal):
Important connection:
If your child has ADHD symptoms + restless legs at night, mention RLS to doctor!
Good news:
A: Possibly! Key questions: Does child feel uncomfortable sensation (not just habit)? Do symptoms get better with movement? Are they worse at rest/bedtime? If yes to these, RLS is likely. Many parents notice child kicking or restless at night - this could be RLS or related Periodic Limb Movement Disorder. See a pediatrician who can check iron levels and evaluate properly.
A: Key difference: RLS symptoms IMPROVE with movement; growing pains don't. RLS feels like strange sensations (creeping, crawling, urge to move); growing pains are actual muscle aches. RLS is worse at rest and in evening; growing pains often follow active days. Both can be worse at night, which is why they're confused. If movement helps, think RLS.
A: YES - low iron is the most common cause of childhood RLS! Even if hemoglobin (blood test) is normal, ferritin (iron stores) may be low. Ask doctor to check ferritin specifically. If low, iron supplementation often dramatically improves RLS. This is why iron-rich diet (palak, gud, meat, pomegranate) is important.
A: Most children DON'T need medication. Treatment starts with: 1) Iron if deficient (most effective!), 2) Lifestyle changes - exercise, sleep routine, avoiding caffeine, 3) Home remedies - massage, stretching, warm bath. Medication is only for severe cases that don't respond to other measures. Always under doctor supervision.
A: Yes, very commonly! Up to 25% of children with ADHD may have RLS. Also, sleep deprivation from RLS can cause ADHD-like symptoms (difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity). If your child has ADHD and complains of restless legs at night, definitely mention this to doctor - treating RLS may help ADHD symptoms improve!
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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