There has been no previous side-by-side comparison of the diagnostic criteria 
for restless legs syndrome (RLS) (Willis-Ekbom disease) and growing pains. In 
our review, we explore this comparison emphasizing overlaps and disconnects, 
summarize recent literature exploring the relationship between the 2 entities, 
and make suggestions for future research. There is considerable overlap in the 
diagnostic criteria for childhood RLS and growing pains. The literature also 
indicates that RLS and growing pains more commonly occur together than one would 
expect based on chance alone, and the family histories of RLS and growing pains 
often are overlapping. Leg rubbing to obtain relief from leg discomfort is 
common to both disorders, though walking to obtain relief seems unique to RLS. 
Childhood RLS also has been reported to be painful in up to 45% of cases. The 
development of standard diagnostic criteria is necessary to move forward in the 
field of growing pains research. A quantitative and validated rating scale for 
growing pains severity already exists. Because of the clinical and genetic 
similarity between RLS and growing pains, studies that parallel those previously 
performed in RLS patients are recommended for growing pains patients. For 
example, a genome wide association study in growing pains patients of all 
possible genes with particular attention to those identified as related to RLS 
and a therapeutic trial of medications known to be effective in RLS would be 
welcome. Abnormalities in vitamin D metabolism also may be common to both 
disorders.