What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs when resting. You may also experience additional sensations in your legs such as pulling, throbbing, itching, aching or crawling. In some cases, your arms may be affected. Rarely, sensations occur in the face or chest.

Also called Willis-Ekborn Disease, restless legs syndrome is a movement disorder. Often, the only way to relieve symptoms is to move your legs. You might feel the need to pace constantly or keep your legs moving while sitting to prevent the sensations. But it is also considered a sleep disorder because it can keep you from falling asleep.

Anyone can develop restless legs syndrome, but it most commonly begins during middle age. No cure exists for the condition, but treatments are available that can help manage uncomfortable symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome symptoms

Restless legs syndrome symptoms can vary between people and range from mild to severe. They most commonly occur later in the day, especially during the evening and nighttime hours. Activities you do when sitting, such as watching a movie or traveling in the car, often trigger symptoms.

People with restless legs syndrome don’t always experience symptoms every day, but when they do occur, they can disrupt your ability to function normally. If you have signs of restless legs more than twice a week, you may have a severe case. Symptoms can also disappear for several weeks and months but come back, often worse than before.

The most common symptom of restless legs syndrome is an overwhelming urge to move your legs when they are at rest. Usually, both legs are affected. Other common signs include:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Exhaustion and feeling sleepy during the day
  • Mood changes
  • Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, such as aching, pulling, itching or crawling
  • Problems with memory
  • Trouble concentrating

When to see a doctor

See your primary care doctor if you experience signs of restless legs syndrome that frequently affect your daily life. Your doctor can rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, such as anemia, kidney failure and sleep apnea. They can also recommend lifestyle changes and medications that can help you manage your symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome causes

The exact causes of restless legs syndrome remain unknown. However, it commonly runs in families, and scientists have identified specific gene variants linked to the condition.

Restless legs syndrome might also be connected to problems with the basal ganglia, which is a part of the brain responsible for movement. An abnormal level of dopamine, a brain chemical the basal ganglia uses to smooth muscle actions, can lead to involuntary movements.

Some medications, including certain anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and antihistamines, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome. It can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as:

  • End-stage kidney disease
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders

Restless legs syndrome risk factors

Although the exact cause of restless legs syndrome isn’t known, scientists have identified several factors that might put some groups of people at higher risk. However, having risk factors does not mean that you will develop the condition.

Risk factors can include:

  • Age: Restless legs syndrome can occur at any age, but it may be more likely in middle-aged and older adults.
  • Genetics: Having a parent with restless legs syndrome may mean you are at higher risk of developing it yourself.
  • Lifestyle factors: Nicotine, alcohol and caffeine can all trigger symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
  • Pregnancy: Restless legs syndrome is common in pregnant people, especially during the third trimester.

Diagnosing restless legs syndrome

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No single test can diagnose restless legs syndrome. Your doctor can usually make a diagnosis, based off your symptoms and physical and neurological exams. Blood tests can also help rule out other causes of your symptoms and sometimes, but not always, your doctor might recommend a sleep study. The exams and tests can also help your doctor determine the right treatment.

Medical history and exam

Your symptoms can tell your doctor a lot about whether you have restless legs syndrome. They’ll start your visit by taking your medical and family health histories, and then they’ll want to know how often you experience symptoms, what time of day they occur, how long they last, how severe they are and if they get better with movement.

Your doctor will also do a physical exam and may recommend a neurological exam as well.

Additional tests

Your doctor may decide to do blood tests to check for other conditions that could cause symptoms of restless legs syndrome. These tests may check things such as your kidney function and iron levels.

They may suggest a sleep study, as well. Sleep studies aren’t necessary to diagnose restless legs syndrome, but they can help your doctor rule out sleep conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

patient and doctor talking

Restless legs syndrome treatment

Because the exact causes of restless legs syndrome are unknown, no cure exists for the condition. But different treatments can help control symptoms and allow you to find relief.

Treatment often begins with making lifestyle changes that limit any activities or habits that could be making your condition worse. You may also need treatment for other conditions that might be causing restless legs syndrome symptoms.

A new treatment called tonic motor activation (TOMAC) is also available. This system involves placing devices on your lower legs that use electricity to stimulate your muscles, relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve sleep.

  • Lifestyle changes

    Changing habits and trying home therapies can help you find relief from symptoms of restless legs syndrome. This may include:

    • Applying heating pads or cold packs to your legs
    • Exercising moderately on most days
    • Getting plenty of sleep
    • Limiting alcohol and caffeine
    • Massaging your legs
    • Not smoking
    • Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga
    • Taking warm baths
    • Using special foot wraps or vibration pads on the backs of your legs
  • Medication

    If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe certain restless legs syndrome medications to help manage your symptoms. These might include:

    • Anti-seizure drugs: Some epilepsy medications can help control symptoms of restless legs syndrome. These medications work by helping to control irregular electrical activity in the brain.
    • Benzodiazepines: Your doctor may prescribe this type of medication if you have severe symptoms. Benzodiazepines can relieve muscle spasms by slowing down the central nervous system.
    • Dopamine agonists: These medications increase levels of dopamine, which may help relieve symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
    • Iron supplements: Because iron deficiency is linked to restless legs syndrome, taking a supplement can help control symptoms.
    • Opioids: If other medications do not help, your doctor may prescribe a low-dose opioid. An opioid works by attaching to tiny nerve cells in the brain to reduce uncomfortable restless legs syndrome sensations.

Locations

We offer several locations for your care, including neurology centers in North and Central Texas.

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Baylor Scott & White Neurology Hospitalist Group - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Neurology Hospitalist Group - Plano

4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions

Frequently asked questions

  • How do you know if you have restless legs syndrome?

    Restless legs syndrome causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs when resting, as well as other uncomfortable sensations. If you have symptoms and your doctor cannot find another cause for them, you may be diagnosed with restless legs syndrome.

  • What does restless legs syndrome feel like?

    In addition to having the urge to move your legs when at rest, restless legs syndrome can cause sensations such as pulling, throbbing, itching, aching or crawling. Some people describe the feeling as electricity shooting through the legs.

  • What helps restless legs syndrome?

    For many people, making lifestyle changes can help restless legs syndrome. This might include exercising regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, not smoking and limiting caffeine and alcohol. Taking warm baths, massaging your legs and using heat or ice packs can also help.

    If home remedies don’t work to relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as dopamine agonists or antiseizure medication. Iron supplements can also help.

  • What foods should be avoided with restless legs syndrome?

    Foods to avoid when you have restless legs syndrome include alcohol, caffeine and refined sugars. Limiting your intake can help alleviate restless legs syndrome.

  • Does magnesium help restless legs syndrome?

    Some studies have shown that taking magnesium supplements can help manage restless legs syndrome. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.