Restless Legs Syndrome: The Urge to Move, Possible Causes and What Helps

What it involves

MedlinePlus describes restless legs syndrome (RLS) as a nervous system problem that causes an unstoppable urge to move the legs, with an uncomfortable feeling that eases while you move. It is also called Willis-Ekbom disease. Women are affected more often than men and it is most common in middle-aged and older adults.

Who this is for

• Patients who feel an uncomfortable urge to move their legs when they lie down or sit for a long time
• Patients whose leg sensations keep them from falling asleep or staying asleep
• Patients with iron deficiency, kidney disease, or diabetes who notice leg discomfort at night
• Patients whose bed partner reports kicking or jerking of the legs during sleep

What to expect

• Questions about the sensations, when they happen, and what relieves them
• A review of your medicines, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use, plus other health conditions
• Blood tests the provider chooses, which MedlinePlus says may look for iron deficiency and other causes
• A plan that may include sleep habits, iron treatment if low, or a referral to a sleep or nerve specialist

What it feels like

MedlinePlus says the sensations are unpleasant rather than painful for many people. They can be creeping and crawling, pulling, burning, aching, itching, or pins and needles, mostly in the lower legs. The feelings tend to worsen at night, begin or deepen when you lie or sit for long stretches, can last an hour or more, and ease when you move or stretch.

What is known about the cause

MedlinePlus says nobody knows exactly what causes RLS, and it may involve how brain cells use dopamine, a chemical that helps muscles move. It can run in families, especially when it starts young. It is also more common with certain conditions:

• Chronic kidney disease and diabetes
• Low iron, magnesium, or folate, and anemia
• Peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson disease, or multiple sclerosis
• Pregnancy

Medicines and habits that can make it worse

MedlinePlus lists calcium channel blockers, lithium, and some other medicines, stopping a sedative, and caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine as possible contributors. Stress or emotional upset can make symptoms worse too. Tell your provider about everything you take rather than stopping anything on your own.

How it is sorted out

MedlinePlus says there is no specific test for RLS. A provider takes a history, does an exam, and usually decides based on the symptoms. Blood tests can look for iron deficiency and other problems. The anemia and low iron guide explains that angle, and the numbness and tingling guide covers nerve-type sensations. A sleep study is sometimes ordered to look for other conditions.

Home steps that are listed

MedlinePlus suggests regular sleep and wake times, a comfortable bedroom, hot or cold packs, gentle stretches, massage, warm baths, and relaxation such as yoga or meditation. It also says to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Leg cramping is a different problem, described in the muscle cramps guide.

Treatment and the outlook

MedlinePlus says RLS cannot be cured but treatment can relieve symptoms. A provider may prescribe medicine, and iron replacement may help when iron is low. It adds that RLS is not dangerous, yet it can badly affect sleep and quality of life, leading to daytime sleepiness, low mood, or trouble thinking clearly. The insomnia guide covers the sleep side.

Sources

• MedlinePlus — Restless legs syndrome
• MedlinePlus — Sleep Disorders health topic