What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
A comprehensive guide to understanding RLS symptoms, causes, and when to seek treatment
Quick Answer
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs due to uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms typically worsen in the evening and can seriously disrupt sleep.
Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome
Neurological Condition
RLS is a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and is classified as a sleep disorder because symptoms often interfere with sleep.
Circadian Pattern
Symptoms follow a distinct daily pattern, typically beginning or worsening in the evening and being most severe at night.
Movement Brings Relief
The hallmark of RLS is that moving the legs provides immediate, though temporary, relief from uncomfortable sensations.
🎯 Common RLS Symptoms
RLS symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are key signs that help doctors make a diagnosis.
Uncomfortable Sensations
Crawling, tingling, burning, aching, or throbbing feelings in the legs
Irresistible Urge to Move
An overwhelming need to move your legs to relieve the discomfort
Symptoms Worsen at Rest
Sensations become more intense when sitting or lying down
Evening/Night Onset
Symptoms typically start or worsen in the evening or at night
Relief with Movement
Walking, stretching, or moving the legs provides temporary relief
Sleep Disruption
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to leg discomfort
📝 Do You Have RLS? Self-Assessment
✅ Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Do you have uncomfortable sensations in your legs when sitting or lying down?
- Do you feel an urge to move your legs to relieve discomfort?
- Are these sensations worse in the evening or at night?
- Does moving your legs provide temporary relief?
- Do these symptoms interfere with your sleep?
⚠️ When to See a Doctor:
- Symptoms significantly disrupt your sleep
- You feel tired or sleepy during the day
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- You experience symptoms 2-3 times per week
- Over-the-counter remedies don't help
🔬 What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS can be primary (idiopathic) with no known cause, or secondary to another condition.
Genetics
Family history of RLS - about 50% of people with RLS have a relative with the condition
Iron Deficiency
Low iron levels in the brain, even when blood iron levels appear normal
Pregnancy
About 20% of pregnant women experience RLS, especially in the third trimester
Medical Conditions
Kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy
⚡ Risk Factors for RLS
📊 Who's Most At Risk?
- Age - more common in middle-aged and older adults
- Gender - women are twice as likely to develop RLS
- Pregnancy - especially in the third trimester
- Family history of RLS or related sleep disorders
- Iron deficiency or low ferritin levels
- Kidney disease or dialysis
- Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
- Alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Smoking and tobacco use
Good News: RLS Is Treatable
While there's no cure for RLS, many effective treatments can significantly reduce symptoms. From lifestyle changes to medical devices like Therapulse, relief is possible.
📚 Learn More About RLS
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Read MoreReady to Find Relief?
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