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
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.
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.
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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
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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.

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Neurology - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 3700, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Lake Pointe
7600 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 150, Rowlett, TX, 75088- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 300, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Sports Concussion Program at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 810, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neuro-Oncology Associates - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 785, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 550, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neurology Hospitalist Group - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
The Headache Center at Baylor University Medical Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Diagnostic Imaging Center at North Dallas
9101 N Central Expy Ste 100, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Neuroscience Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Associates
9101 N Central Expy Ste 230, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Headache Medicine Specialists of North Texas - Dallas
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Dallas
909 N Washington Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center - Dallas
3410 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Neuro-Oncology Associates
3410 Worth St Ste 820, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Dallas
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75204- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 120, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Irving
2021 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 210, Irving, TX, 75061- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White McClinton Cancer Center - Waco
150 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Neurosciences Clinic - Waco
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Ste 201-A, Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center - College Station
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center - Temple
1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop , Temple, TX, 76502
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Specialty Clinic - Temple
1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop , Temple, TX, 76502
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center - Round Rock
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.