Information From Your Health Care Provider

RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME

Basic information

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes an urge to move the legs and other sensations. RLS occurs more often in women than in men. It may begin at any age, even as early as infancy. Patients with severe symptoms are usually middle aged or older.
More than 80% of people with RLS also have a more common condition known as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking movements during sleep. They typically occur every 10 to 60 seconds, sometimes throughout the night. People have no control over them.

A compulsive urge to move the legs. Lying down and trying to relax worsens the symptoms.
Sensations in the legs are described as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs
- They usually occur deep inside the leg, between the knee and ankle. More rarely, they occur in the feet, thighs, arms, and hands. The sensations usually affect both sides of the body.
- The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable, to irritating, to painful. They may come and go.
Symptoms may be less apparent during the day and more severe in the evening or at night. They cause difficulty in falling, and staying, asleep.
Long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long airplane trips, or relaxation exercises can trigger the symptoms.

In most cases, the cause is unknown (primary RLS). In others (secondary RLS), there are certain factors or conditions that may be related to RLS.

Family history of RLS.
Low iron levels or anemia.
Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or Parkinson's disease.
Obesity.
Pregnancy.
Certain drugs.
Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may aggravate or trigger symptoms in some patients.

None known.

There is no cure for primary RLS. Symptoms may disappear for weeks or months, but usually return. Treatment can reduce the symptoms and increase periods of restful sleep.
Secondary RLS can be cured if the cause is managed.

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests (including a sleep study) may be done to identify any medical disorder that may be a factor in the symptoms.
Treatment will be given for any disorder diagnosed.
Treatment options for RLS may include lifestyle changes and drugs or supplements.
Don't smoke. Find a plan that will help you to quit.
A regular sleep pattern can help reduce symptoms. Try to go to bed and get up at the same times each day.
Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack may help relieve symptoms.
To learn more: Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, 1610 14th St., Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55901; (507) 287-6312 (not toll free); website: www.rls.org.

No one drug works for everyone with RLS. There are several options and your health care provider will discuss their benefits and side effects with you. If one type doesn't help, another can be tried.
Iron supplements are prescribed for low iron levels.
Diet supplements may be recommended.
If a drug you take could be a cause of RLS, you may be advised to change the dose or take a different drug.

A program of regular, moderate exercise may help you sleep better. Excessive exercise may worsen symptoms.