Restless Leg Syndrome
Learn about the pulmonary condition of Restless Leg Syndrome including its common causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
Restless Leg Syndrome can happen to anyone at any age, but generally gets worse as you get older. It can affect your ability to sleep which can impact your daily activities.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome may include:
- Abnormal, unpleasant sensations in the legs and feet that may be described as:
- Crawling
- Creeping
- Pulling
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Itching
- Electric
- Sensations that begin after rest, such as in a car, airplane, or movie theater
- Relief with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking
- Nighttime leg twitching or symptoms that get worse in the evening
- Symptoms generally affect both sides of the body and less commonly affect the arms
- Symptoms can come and go
Possible Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
Some possible causes of Restless Leg Syndrome may be:
- Heredity – RLS can run in families
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes can cause RLS to appear or worsen
Risk Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome
Risk factors of Restless Leg Syndrome may include:
- Being female
- Getting older
- Can be present along with the following conditions:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Iron deficiency
- Kidney failure
- Spinal cord conditions
Complications from Restless Leg Syndrome
Complications from Restless Leg Syndrome may include:
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Depression
How to Prevent Restless Leg Syndrome
Some ways to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome may include:
- Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine
- Review all the medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) with your doctor
- Exercise every day
- Stretch your legs often
- Massage your legs regularly
- Avoid eating a heavy meal close to bedtime
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Have your blood tested for iron levels and kidney function
- Soak your legs in warm water before bedtime