Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Stress makes it worse. The cause is not known in most patients.
RLS may occur more often in patients with:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Iron deficiency
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pregnancy
Use of certain medications such as caffeine, calcium channel blockers, lithium or neuroleptics
Withdrawal from sedatives
RLS is commonly passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. The abnormal gene has not yet been identified.
Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia). This lack of sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes.
Symptoms
RLS leads to sensations in the lower legs between the knee and ankle. The feeling makes you uncomfortable unless you move your legs. These sensations:
Usually occur at night when you lie down, or sometimes during the day when you sit for long periods of time. May be described as creeping, crawling, aching, pulling, searing, tingling, bubbling, or crawling may last for 1 hour or longer. Sometimes also occur in the upper leg, feet, or arms
You will feel an irresistible urge to walk or move your legs, which almost always relieves the discomfort. Most patients have rhythmic leg movements during sleep hours, called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
All of these symptoms often disturb sleep. Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings. Symptoms may be worse during stress or emotional upset
Signs and tests
There is no specific test for restless leg syndrome
Treatment is aimed at reducing stress and helping the muscles relax.
The following techniques may help:
- Gentle stretching exercises
- Massage
- Warm baths
Low doses of pramipexole (Pexola) or ropinirole (Requip) can be very effective at controlling symptoms in some people.
If your sleep is severely disrupted, your health care provider may prescribe medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson’s medication), gabapentin and pregabalin, or tranquilizers such as clonazepam. However, these medications may cause daytime sleepiness.
Patients with iron deficiency should receive iron supplements.
Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Expectations (prognosis)
Restless leg syndrome is not dangerous or life threatening and it is not a sign of a serious disorder. However, it can be uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep, which can affect your quality of life.
Complications
Insomnia may occur.
