When you are on the go, your legs are in constant motion. But when you are sitting, relaxing or sleeping, your legs should be still and comfortable. This is not always possible if you have restless leg syndrome (RLS). Show
RLS is a nervous system disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, particularly at night. The sensation – sometimes described as throbbing, itching or “creepy crawly” – can be very uncomfortable. RLS is also considered a sleep disorder because it can interrupt your sleep and impact your quality of life. If you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, you probably feel exhausted during the day. You may not be able to concentrate at work or school, and your personal relationships might suffer. Untreated RLS can lead to lower work productivity and can potentially cause depression and anxiety. If you’re feeling sleep deprived because of a weird sensation in your legs, it’s time to talk to your Mercy doctor. Diagnosis & Treatment of Restless Legs SyndromeNeurologists and pulmonologists (who specialize in sleep medicine) are able to diagnose and treat RLS. Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms, family history and other possible medical conditions that could be connected to RLS. There isn’t one specific test that can determine if you have RLS, but your doctor may order bloodwork, a sleep study and/or additional exams to eliminate other conditions. There is no cure for RLS, so treatment is focused on relieving your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, stopping tobacco use and following regular sleep patterns. If those changes don’t decrease your symptoms, you may be a candidate for medication. Talk to your Mercy doctor about what treatment is right for you. Willis-Ekbom disease; Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system problem that causes you to feel an unstoppable urge to get up and pace or walk. You feel uncomfortable unless you move your legs. Moving stops the unpleasant feeling for a short time. This disorder is also known as restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED).
 The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves. CausesNo one knows exactly what causes RLS. It may be due to a problem with the way brain cells use dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that helps with muscle movement. RLS may be linked to some other conditions. It may occur more often in people with:
RLS may also occur in people who:
RLS occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Women are more likely to have RLS than men. RLS is commonly passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. SymptomsRLS leads to unpleasant feelings in your lower legs. These feelings cause an unstoppable urge to move your legs. You may feel:
These sensations:
Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings. Stress or emotional upset can make symptoms worse. Most people with RLS have rhythmic leg movements when they sleep. This condition is called periodic limb movement disorder. All of these symptoms make it hard to sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to:
Exams and TestsThere is no specific test for RLS. Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. You may have blood tests and other exams to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Usually, your provider will determine whether you have RLS based on your symptoms. TreatmentRLS can't be cured. However, treatment can help relieve symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes may help you cope with the condition and ease symptoms.
Your provider may prescribe medicines to treat RLS. Some medicines help control symptoms:
Other medicines can help you sleep:
Medicines to help you sleep may cause daytime sleepiness. Treating conditions with similar symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy or iron deficiency can also help relieve symptoms. Outlook (Prognosis)RLS is not dangerous. However, it can be uncomfortable, making it hard to sleep and affecting your quality of life. Possible ComplicationsYou may not be able to sleep well (insomnia). When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your provider if:
PreventionThere is no way to prevent RLS. ReferencesAllen RP, Montplaisir J, Walters AS, Ferini-Strambi L, Hogl B. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements during sleep. In: Kryger M, Roth T, Dement WC, eds. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 95. Avidan AY. Sleep and its disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 101. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Restless legs syndrome fact sheet. www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Updated November 15, 2021. Accessed November 18, 2021. Winkelman JW, Armstrong MJ, Allen RP, et al. Practice guideline summary: treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults: report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2016;87(24):2585-2593. PMID: 27856776 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27856776/. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 7/26/2021 Reviewed by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Who is the best doctor for restless leg syndrome?Neurologists and pulmonologists (who specialize in sleep medicine) are able to diagnose and treat RLS.
Does a neurologist deal with restless leg syndrome?A diagnosis will be based on your symptoms, medical history and family history, a physical examination, and test results. Your GP should be able to diagnose restless legs syndrome, but they may refer you to a neurologist if there's any uncertainty.
What neurological disorder causes restless leg syndrome?Parkinson's disease.
People who have Parkinson's disease and take certain medications called dopaminergic agonists have an increased risk of developing RLS .
How do you get rid of restless leg syndrome permanently?There's no cure for RLS. But if you have the disorder, lifestyle changes and medication can help improve your quality of life. The goals of RLS treatment are to prevent or relieve symptoms, improve sleep, and correct underlying conditions or habits that trigger or worsen RLS symptoms.
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Neurologist specializing in restless leg syndrome near me
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