Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
An uncomfortable, unpleasant sensation leads a person to an uncontrollable desire for foot movement. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.
Restless legs syndrome 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.
As we read in the article, with certain methods, lifestyle changes significantly reduce the symptoms. Some patients are prescribed medication.
Symptoms
Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include:
- Sensations that begin after rest. The sensation typically begins after you've been lying down or sitting for an extended time.
- Relief with movement. The sensation of RLS lessens with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking.
- Worsening of symptoms in the evening.
- Nighttime leg twitching.
People typically describe RLS symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their legs or feet. Less commonly, the sensations affect the arms.
The sensations, which generally occur within the limb rather than on the skin, are described as:
- Crawling
- Creeping
- Pulling
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Itching
Causes
Often, there's no known cause for RLS.
Researchers suspect the condition may be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement.
Sometimes RLS runs in families, especially if the condition starts before age 40.
As we read in the article pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS signs and symptoms. Some women get RLS for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. However, symptoms usually disappear after delivery.
RLS usually isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem. However, it sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as: peripheral neuropathy, iron deficiency, kidney failure.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168
