OverviewRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. Show Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, 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. Medications also help many people with RLS. SymptomsThe chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include:
People typically describe RLS symptoms as compelling, unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet. They usually happen on both sides of the body. Less commonly, the sensations affect the arms. The sensations, which generally occur within the limb rather than on the skin, are described as:
Sometimes the sensations are difficult to explain. People with RLS usually don't describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. They do, however, consistently describe the desire to move the legs. It's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity. Sometimes, symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back. When to see a doctorSome people with RLS never seek medical attention because they worry they won't be taken seriously. But RLS can interfere with your sleep and cause daytime drowsiness and affect your quality of life. Talk with your health care provider if you think you may have RLS. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have
about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesOften, 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. HereditySometimes RLS runs in families, especially if the condition starts before age 40. Researchers have identified sites on the chromosomes where genes for RLS may be present. PregnancyPregnancy 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. Risk factorsRLS can develop at any age, even during childhood. The condition is more common with increasing age and more common in women than in men. RLS usually isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem. However, it sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as:
ComplicationsAlthough RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from barely bothersome to incapacitating. Many people with RLS find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Severe RLS can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression. Insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but RLS may interfere with napping. When should I be worried about leg twitching?If muscle twitching is new and you're experiencing additional symptoms, however, Dr. Ondo says this is when muscle twitching becomes more concerning. "We start to worry about fasciculations when they're of relatively sudden onset and there's accompanying weakness, loss of tone and shrinkage in the muscle," says Dr.
Is leg twitching serious?Muscle twitching typically isn't an emergency, but a serious medical condition may be causing it. Make an appointment with your doctor if your twitching becomes a chronic or persistent issue.
How do I stop my leg twitching?There are, however, five steps you can take to try to get rid of the spasm:. Stretch the affected area.. Massage the affected area with your hands or a massage roller.. Stand up and walk around.. Apply heat or ice. ... . Take painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.. |
What does it mean when your leg twitches
Copyright © 2024 kemunculan Inc.
