What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a movement disorder that causes a strong, often uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually when you're resting or trying to sleep. This urge is linked to uncomfortable sensations in the legs that people often describe as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling.
These sensations usually happen in the lower legs, especially in the calves, but they can also affect your thighs, ankles or even your arms. You may feel them in one or both legs. The urge to move usually gets worse when you're sitting or lying down, and moving the affected limb often brings temporary relief.
RLS is also considered a sleep disorder because symptoms typically get worse in the evening or at night, making it hard to relax or fall asleep. Over time, it can lead to poor sleep and daytime fatigue.
Anyone can develop RLS, but it’s more common in middle age and can become more severe over time. While there’s no cure, treatment options can help manage symptoms. These may include making lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health issues and taking medication if needed.
Restless legs syndrome symptoms
The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is a strong urge to move your legs, especially when you're resting. This often comes with uncomfortable sensations in the legs or feet that people describe as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling.
These sensations usually happen on both sides of the body and may occasionally affect the arms. It's common for symptoms to get better and worse. Sometimes symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Uncomfortable sensations that start during rest: Symptoms usually begin when you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while, such as during a long car ride, on a plane or while watching a movie.
- Relief with movement: Moving your legs by stretching, walking or shifting positions often brings short-term relief.
- Worsening in the evening or at night: RLS symptoms are typically more noticeable in the evening, which can interfere with falling or staying asleep.
- Nighttime leg twitching: Some people also have a related condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes the legs to twitch or kick during sleep, sometimes all night.
RLS can lead to sleep problems that affect your daily life. These may include:
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- The need to get out of bed to stretch or move your legs
- Daytime tiredness or fatigue
- Mood or behavior changes
- Trouble focusing, remembering things or paying attention
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
When to see a doctor
If you notice an ongoing urge to move your legs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations—especially if these symptoms make it hard to relax or sleep—it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider.
A doctor can help determine if you have restless legs syndrome or another condition causing your symptoms. They can also recommend treatment options to help relieve discomfort and improve your sleep and overall quality of life.
What does restless leg syndrome feel like?
People with restless legs syndrome often describe the symptoms as strong, uncomfortable sensations deep in the legs or feet—not on the surface of the skin. These feelings usually happen on both sides of the body, although they can sometimes affect just one side or even the arms.
The sensations are often hard to describe, but common descriptions include:
- Crawling
- Creeping
- Pulling
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Itching
- Electric or buzzing sensations
Unlike muscle cramps or numbness, RLS doesn't usually cause pain in the traditional sense. Instead, it's the overwhelming need to move your legs that stands out. People with RLS often find that moving their legs is the only way to get temporary relief from the discomfort.
What causes restless legs syndrome?
The exact cause of restless legs syndrome remains unknown. However, it commonly runs in families, and scientists have identified specific gene variants linked to the condition.
Restless legs syndrome might also be connected to problems with the basal ganglia, which is a part of the brain responsible for movement. An abnormal level of dopamine, a brain chemical the basal ganglia use to smooth muscle actions, can lead to involuntary movements.
Some medications, including certain anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and antihistamines, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome. It can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as:
- End-stage kidney disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Pregnancy
- Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
- Low iron levels
Restless legs syndrome treatment
While there’s no cure for restless legs syndrome, treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. The best treatment plan depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether another condition may be contributing to them, like low iron levels or a chronic health issue. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or therapies that can help calm your symptoms and improve sleep.
Find specialized care for restless legs syndrome near you
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment options for people with restless legs syndrome. With neurology centers located across North and Central Texas, our team is focused on your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking a diagnosis or need ongoing treatment, we are here by your side every step of the way.
