Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually because of uncomfortable sensations. It often occurs in the evening or late night hours when you are sitting or lying down, and moving provides temporary relief from the uncomfortable sensation.
Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, can start at any age and usually worsens as you get older. It can cause sleep disruption that interferes with daily activities.
Simple self-care steps and lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms. Medications also help many people with restless legs syndrome.
Symptoms
The main symptom is a strong urge to move the legs. Common features associated with restless legs syndrome include:
- Sensations that start after rest. The sensation usually begins after lying down or sitting for a long time in places such as a car, airplane, or movie theater.
- Relief with movement. Restless legs syndrome symptoms decrease with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, walking, or exercising on a stationary bike.
- Symptoms worsen in the evening. Symptoms mainly occur at night.
- Leg jerking in the evening. Restless legs syndrome may be accompanied by another common condition called periodic limb movements during sleep, which causes legs to jerk or kick, possibly all night while you sleep.
People with restless legs syndrome typically describe symptoms as unusual and uncomfortable sensations in their legs and feet. These sensations usually occur on both sides of the body. In less common cases, the sensations affect the arms.
Sensations that occur usually inside the limb rather than on the skin are described as:
- Tingling
- Creeping
- Pulling/tugging
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Itching
- Electric
Sometimes the sensations are hard to describe. People with restless legs syndrome don’t usually describe the condition as muscle cramps or numbness, but they regularly describe their urge to move their legs.
Symptom severity fluctuates commonly. Sometimes, symptoms disappear for periods of time and then return.
When to see a doctor
Some people with restless legs syndrome never seek medical care because they worry about not being taken seriously. However, restless legs syndrome can affect sleep and may cause daytime sleepiness and affect quality of life. Talk to your doctor if you think you have restless legs syndrome.
Causes
Often, there is no known cause for restless legs syndrome (RLS). Researchers suspect that a possible cause of this condition is a dopamine chemical imbalance in the brain, which sends messages related to controlling muscle movement.
Genetics
Sometimes, families have restless legs syndrome, especially if the condition starts before age 40. Researchers have identified locations on chromosomes where restless legs syndrome genes are found.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen the signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Some women develop restless legs syndrome for the first time during pregnancy, particularly during the final trimester. However, symptoms usually disappear after delivery.
Risk factors
Restless legs syndrome may appear at any age, even during childhood. This disorder appears more commonly as you age, particularly in women.
Restless legs syndrome usually doesn’t indicate a serious underlying medical problem. However, it is sometimes associated with other conditions, such as:
- Peripheral neuropathy. Damage to the nerves in your hands and feet sometimes results from a chronic illness such as diabetes and alcoholism.
- Iron deficiency. Even without causing anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen restless legs syndrome. If you have a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual periods, or frequently notice blood discharges, you may have iron deficiency.
- Kidney failure. If you have kidney failure, you may also develop iron deficiency and likely with anemia. Iron stores in the blood decrease when kidney function is poor. These and other changes in body chemistry can cause or worsen restless legs syndrome.
- Spinal cord disease. Lesions from damage or injury to the spinal cord are associated with restless legs syndrome. Undergoing spinal anesthesia, such as a spinal block, also increases your risk of developing restless legs syndrome.
Complications
Although restless legs syndrome doesn’t cause serious other conditions, symptom severity can range from merely annoying to disabling. Many people with restless legs syndrome find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Severe cases of restless legs syndrome can negatively affect quality of life and may lead to depression. Insomnia may result in excessive daytime sleepiness, but restless legs syndrome can affect napping.
Treatment
At Alimran Medical Center, we may recommend any of the following treatments:
Regenerative medicine treatment (Prolotherapy)
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Steroid injection
- Trigger point injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Electrical stimulation
- Short and long wave
- Laser therapy
- Ultrasonic therapy
- Magnetic therapy
- Exercises