Seventeen-year-old Ali Dzienkowski loves to play the piano. Six years ago, she could barely sit still.

"It's kind of like sitting on your foot for a while and then it falls asleep," she said.

Ali was diagnosed with restless legs syndrome.

"It occurs when the child wants to sit quietly, sit and do homework, or go to sleep," said Dr. Daniel Picchietti.

Recent research shows 2 percent of children in the U.S. have the condition, making it more common than epilepsy or diabetes. Still, RLS can be tough to diagnose, as Ali's mom Karla can attest.

"We saw numerous doctors. It was one of the hardest things I've ever went through," she said.

That's because many doctors are not familiar with the condition in children. And a key symptom, intense leg pain, is often dismissed as growing pains.

""In addition, most children with restless legs have jerking in sleep. As a result of this impact on sleep, the children become irritable and have difficulty in school," said Dr. Picchietti.

Side effects that are often mistaken for ADHD or hyperactivity.

While the exact cause of RLS is unknown, Dr. Picchietti believes genetics does play a role.

"There's now been a gene isolated that accounts for about 50 percent of RLS cases. In children, it very often runs in families," he said.

That's why finding a specialist is key. While there is no known cure, there are treatments.

"Avoiding caffeine, keeping a regular sleep schedule," said Dr. Picchietti.

In more severe cases, like Ali's, iron supplements and medication are also used.  Exercise helps, too.

Ali and Karla want other families to know they're not alone.

"There is hope, there's treatment, and let's find a cure together," said Karla.