leg movement

[sb1974]

My 2 year old son repeatedly moves his right leg during the day.  he typically does this lying down but will also do it sitting in a chair or standing up.  he tenses up both legs, the left one is straight and then he crosses the right one over and repeatedly kicks it as if he's pumping a gas pedal.  his big toe is flexed upwards on both feet.  it is rhythmic.  if we tell him to stop, he does but goes right back to doing it.  he does not do it if he's busy running around but he seems to get some satisfaction out of doing it.  if i hold the leg, he still tries to do the movement.  he is developmentally appropriate in all areas.  this has been going on for several months.  he does not do this when he is asleep.  any thoughts on what this could be or if he will grow out of it?  is it a habit or reflex of some kind?

concerned mom.

[sb1974]

thank you so much.  we are seeing the pediatrician in a few days and will take it from there.

thanks for your time.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing.

It is difficult to give an opinion without a clinical exam; however this does not seem to be a serious neurological problem or a movement disorder as of now.
The movement could just be a nervous tic which may go away as he grows up. It will be a good thing not to correct him when he is doing this as this will only make things worse.
You can discuss this also with his pediatrician and get a neurological exam done.

Regards