Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when youre sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. RLS can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities. The main symptoms of RLS include:
- An overwhelming urge to move your legs, which is usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like itching, pulling, crawling, or throbbing.
- An unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves, and thighs, which is often worse in the evening or at night.
- Involuntary leg (and sometimes arm) twitching or jerking movements during sleep that typically occur every 15 to 40 seconds, sometimes throughout the night.
RLS can be diagnosed by a doctors evaluation based on the five basic criteria, which include the urge to move the legs, worsening of symptoms in the evening, partial or temporary relief by activity, symptoms occurring mainly at night, and symptoms that cant be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition. There is no specific test for RLS. Treatment for RLS includes lifestyle changes, such as avoiding or decreasing the use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, and doing moderate, regular exercise. Medications are also available to reduce the restlessness in the legs, such as medications that increase dopamine in the brain.
