Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.

Restless legs syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in the legs that occur at rest (it typically happens in the evening or at night). It is estimated that between 5 and 15 percent of the population may experience symptoms of RLS. It is also is commonly associated with pregnancy (during the third trimester).

Restless legs syndrome was first described by Dr. Thomas Willis in 1685. However, the disease became known around the world as RLS only at the end of World War II after the research by Karl-Axel Ekbom (hence, it is also called Ekbom disease). In recent decades, a large number of studies have been conducted into the occurrence of RLS, but the exact causes of the disease are not known. Besides, scientists claim that every case should be considered individually.

RLS Symptoms

• A person has a strong urge to move the legs (sometimes the arms and trunk) due to discomfort. In most cases, patients describe their condition like this: “Whenever I go to bed, I immediately have uncomfortable feelings in the legs, such as itching, crawling, prickling, burning, and goosebumps. I have to move my legs and flex my toes and feet, shake them, rub and massage them. I can toss and turn in bed for an hour. I get up and walk around the room. It results in poor sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, and fatigue.”
• Symptoms get worse during periods of rest, long flights.
• Discomfort in the legs disappears during physical activity.
• The urge to move the legs increases in the evening or at night, causing insomnia.
• People with RLS experience involuntary leg twitching or jerking movements during sleep.

 
RLS symptoms can occur once or twice a week, though in serious cases, symptoms are more frequent (more than 2 times a week).

Can Restless Legs be Dangerous?

Restless legs syndrome is rarely associated with any serious medical condition. Most often, people with this syndrome do not get enough sleep. They move their legs, roll over in bed, and are unable to relax. Thus, people feel tired and sleepy during the day.
Long-term sleep deprivation caused by restless legs syndrome can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome or depression. A person with RLS experiences a loss of productivity in both private and work life.

What Causes RLS?

• Genetic predisposition. About 50 percent of RLS patients have a close family member with the disorder. Researchers are currently looking for the gene or genes that cause RLS.
• Iron deficiency.
• Diabetes.
• Vitamin B deficiency.
• Use of caffeine. Drinking alcohol also increases the duration or intensity of RLS symptoms.
• Thyroid disorders.
• Kidney failure. RLS occurs in 70% of patients with renal failure.
• Pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Symptoms often disappear within 4 weeks after delivery.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy).

RLS can sometimes occur in healthy people after vigorous physical activity or stress.

Treatment and Diagnosis of RLS

You need to share any symptoms you have, and your doctor will request that you undergo diagnostic testing. The tests can help rule out other conditions that trigger similar symptoms, which are often confused with RLS.