What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

An Irresistible Urge

• People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) feel abnormal, uncomfortable sensations in their calves, thighs or feet, often with an irresistible urge to move the affected limb. Sometimes, those sensations affect the upper body, but that is less common.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet” — http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm#241533237
  Mayo Clinic, “Restless legs syndrome: Symptoms” — http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=symptoms

Common Sensations

• It’s not always easy for patients to describe the sensations of RLS, but terms often used include:
• Crawling
• Creeping
• Pulling
• Tingling
• Throbbing
• Itching
• Pain
• TUgging
• Gnawing
• Burning

Mayo Clinic, “Restless legs syndrome: Symptoms” — http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=symptoms

Sensations Worsen in the Evening

• RLS patients commonly report that their symptoms are worse in the evening, making it difficult to go to sleep and stay asleep. But many patients also report little to no symptoms in the morning, allowing them to sleep better during that time.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet” — http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm#241533237

Symptoms Are Triggered By Inactivity

• Patients often feel sensations of RLS during periods of inactivity. Such periods may include long car trips or flights, sitting in a movie theater, being stuck in a cast or doing relaxation exercises.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet” — http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm#241533237

Moving Brings Relief

• People relieve the sensations of RLS by getting up and moving. Patients do a host of things to fight these sensations, including stretching, pacing, walking, jiggling their legs and many different exercises.
• Mayo Clinic, “Restless legs syndrome: Symptoms” — http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=symptoms

Restlessness Turns to Twitching at Night

• RLS may be linked to periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD causes people to unintentionally flex and extend their legs while sleeping. People with PLMD may twitch and kick throughout the night without knowing it. The majority of RLS patients have PLMD.
• Mayo Clinic, “Restless legs syndrome: Symptoms” — http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=symptoms
• Misdiagnosed Symptoms
• According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some physicians wrongly attribute the symptoms of RLS to nervousness, insomnia, arthritis, stress, muscle cramps or aging. Talk to a doctor about any and all symptoms you may be experiencing.
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

Related Chronic Conditions

• According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, RLS appears to be related to chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

Medication Might Be The Issue

• Certain medications may cause RLS symptoms to increase. Anti-nausea medications (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), antipsychotics (haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), antidepressants and certain cold and allergy medications containing antihistamines might make symptoms worse.
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

What To Do If You Think You Have RLS

• Tell your doctor about all of the symptoms you are experiencing so that he or she can make the proper diagnosis and get you feeling better. If you have RLS, your doctor may want you to make certain lifestyle changes affecting your diet and exercise habits.
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

Citations:

•  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet”
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm#241533237
• Mayo Clinic, “Restless legs syndrome: Symptoms”
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=symptoms
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet”
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm#241533237