Restless legs 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 severely disrupt your sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. The main symptom of RLS is an overwhelming urge to move your legs, which can also cause an unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves, and thighs. The sensation is often worse in the evening or at night. Occasionally, the arms are affected too. RLS is also associated with involuntary jerking of the legs and arms, known as periodic limb movements (PLM) .
RLS can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities. Simple self-care steps and lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms. Medications also help many people with RLS. Some of the self-care steps and lifestyle changes that may help relieve symptoms include:
- Avoiding or decreasing the use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
- Changing or maintaining a regular sleep pattern
- Trying moderate, regular exercise
- Massaging the legs or taking a warm bath
- Applying a heating pad or ice pack
- Using foot wraps specially designed for people with RLS, or vibration pads to the back of the legs
- Doing aerobic and leg-stretching exercises of moderate intensity
If you have RLS without an associated condition, treatment focuses on lifestyle changes. If those arent effective, your provider might prescribe medications. Several prescription medications, most of which were developed to treat other diseases, are available to reduce the restlessness in the legs. These include medications that increase dopamine in the brain.
