Everything to know about restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the legs, usually after going to bed. Stretching or moving the legs usually helps. It may also affect the arms.
RLS may happen because of mental or physical problems, or it may be an adverse effect of some medications. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease.
RLS may be mild or severe, depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms, how well the symptoms can be relieved by moving around, and how much disturbance they cause.
The vast majority of cases of RLS resolve on their own over time or once simple lifestyle changes have been made. A doctor may also recommend medications.
Read on to learn about the types of RLS, symptoms, how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options, and more.
What are the types and causes of restless legs syndrome?
There are two main types of RLS: primary RLS and secondary RLS.
Exactly how RLS happens is not clear, but it may be related to how the body processes dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in controlling muscle movements.
It is also linked to pregnancy.
Primary or idiopathic RLS
Idiopathic means that the cause is unknown. However, it may have a genetic cause, with a familial link in anywhere from 25% to 75% of cases.
Primary RLS usually begins before the age of 40 years.
Secondary RLS
Secondary RLS happens as a result of another condition. Examples of conditions that may cause secondary RLS include:
- diabetes
- iron deficiency
- kidney failure
- Parkinson’s disease
- venous insufficiency
- pregnancy
Some medications can also lead to secondary RLS, particularly those that affect the activity of dopamine. Examples of medications that can cause or worsen secondary RLS include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- tricyclic antidepressants
- beta-blockers
RLS may also occur alongside periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD is a similar sleep disorder that causes the limbs to twitch or jerk uncontrollably while sleeping.
What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?
RLS causes a strong urge to move the legs. People have described these feelings as:
- aching
- burning
- crawling
- creeping
- itching
- tugging
- tingling
- similar to electric shocks
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to move the legs. The sensations tend to occur when the individual is resting or inactive, not only during the night. Symptoms often worsen in the evening and at night.
Symptoms can also occur when a person is awake.
As RLS leads to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, the person may be tired during the day. A person can also experience mood changes, depression, and anxiety.
How long does restless legs syndrome last?
Secondary RLS may resolve after addressing the underlying cause. If RLS occurs due to pregnancy, it should resolve a few weeks after delivery.
In other cases, there is no known cure for RLS. However, a person might experience periods of remission, when they experience no or few symptoms for a number of weeks or months.
Summary
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes the legs to feel heavy. Symptoms usually resolve with moving or stretching the legs.
Primary RLS has no known cause, but home remedies and medical treatments may help alleviate symptoms. It is also possible to enter a period of remission. where symptoms go away for weeks or months.
Secondary RLS happens due to an underlying cause, such as diabetes, iron deficiency, kidney disease, and more. Secondary RLS can also occur during pregnancy.
Contact a doctor if there are concerns about RLS. They can assess the symptoms to help confirm the diagnosis, and they may order tests to rule out other possible causes.
After diagnosis, they can help create a suitable treatment plan to manage symptoms and address any identifiable cause.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the legs, usually after going to bed. Stretching or moving the legs usually helps. It may also affect the arms.
RLS may happen because of mental or physical problems, or it may be an adverse effect of some medications. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease.
RLS may be mild or severe, depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms, how well the symptoms can be relieved by moving around, and how much disturbance they cause.
The vast majority of cases of RLS resolve on their own over time or once simple lifestyle changes have been made. A doctor may also recommend medications.
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