Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your 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.
Restless legs syndrome, now known as restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED), 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 you. Medications also help many people with restless legs syndrome.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS/WED include:
People typically describe RLS/WED symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their 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. Affected people usually don't describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. They do, however, consistently describe the desire to move their legs.
It's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity. Sometimes, symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back.
Some people with RLS/WED never seek medical attention because they worry they won't be taken seriously. But RLS/WED can interfere with your sleep and cause daytime drowsiness and affect your quality of life. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have RLS/WED.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Often, there's no known cause for RLS/WED. Researchers suspect the condition may be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement.
Sometimes RLS/WED runs in families, especially if the condition starts before age 40. Researchers have identified sites on the chromosomes where genes for RLS/WED may be present.
Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS/WED signs and symptoms. Some women get RLS/WED for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. However, signs and symptoms usually disappear after delivery.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Your doctor will take your medical history and ask for a description of your symptoms. A diagnosis of RLS/WED is based on the following criteria, established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group and International Classification of Sleep Disorders:
Your doctor may conduct a physical and a neurological exam. Blood tests, particularly for iron deficiency, may be ordered to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
In addition, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. This may involve an overnight stay at a sleep clinic, where doctors can study your sleep if another sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected. However, a diagnosis of RLS/WED usually doesn't require a sleep study.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Although RLS/WED doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from barely bothersome to incapacitating. Many people with RLS/WED find it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
Severe RLS/WED can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression. Insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but RLS/WED may interfere with napping.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Making simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms of RLS/WED:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
RLS/WED is generally a lifelong condition. Living with RLS/WED involves developing coping strategies that work for you, such as:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
RLS/WED can develop at any age, even during childhood. The disorder is more common with increasing age and more common in women than in men.
Restless legs syndrome usually isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem. However, RLS/WED sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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