Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome
Aging Well General Health & Wellness
July 10, 2024
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder and a movement disorder that may start at any time over the course of your life. RLS causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs in response to an uncomfortable sensation in them. People with restless leg syndrome experience a number of uncomfortable feelings in their legs – from a creeping or crawling sensation to an itching, aching, or burning feeling. These sensations are often strongest at night when sitting or lying down, and these uncomfortable sensations can impact your sleep.
Restless leg syndrome affects about 5% of the U.S. population. Women are more likely to have RLS than men, but it affects both sexes.
What Are Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an itchy twitching of the legs during rest that's relieved by moving them.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says typical symptoms of restless leg syndrome include:
- Feeling a crawling, tingling, burning, aching, pulling or itching sensation in the legs.
- Having the urge to move worsens when you are still.
- Walking and other types of movement alleviate the urge.
- Having symptoms that worsen late in the day.
Most often, the sensations affect both legs, but they may affect just one. Sensations in your arms, chest or head may occur, too, but are less common. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders And Stroke, more than 80 percent of those with RLS also have periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS), where your legs twitch and jerk usually every 15 to 40 seconds throughout the night. Restless legs symptoms may vary from day to day in frequency and severity, and they may become more frequent as you age.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
“There is no known, definitive cause for restless leg syndrome, though researchers believe it may be linked to dopamine imbalances in the brain, since dopamine helps control muscle movement,” says Abhigyan R. Banka, MD, a family medicine physician with Franciscan Physician Network Beech Grove Family Medicine.
Restless leg syndrome may have some genetic links since many patients with restless legs symptoms report having a first-degree relative who also has RLS.
Aging increases your age for developing restless leg syndrome. Pregnancy or hormonal changes can also precipitate or worsen symptoms. People with peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord conditions, iron deficiency, or kidney failure have an increased likelihood of developing RLS.
What Are The Treatments For Restless Leg Syndrome?
Patients with restless leg syndrome report that moderate exercise, such as walking, can help alleviate symptoms.
“Regular or moderate exercise – mixing aerobic and resistance workouts specifically targeting the legs – can positively impact your RLS by potentially reducing symptom severity,” Dr. Banka says.
Warm or cool packs, baths, massages, and foot wraps can also ease discomfort related to the condition.
Getting a good night’s rest should also be a priority for restless leg syndrome patients since insufficient sleep can worsen RLS symptoms.
Beyond these home remedies, doctors can prescribe medicine to help treat symptoms of RLS.
Treatments may include:
- Iron supplements
- Anti-seizure medications
- Dopaminergic agents, which increase dopamine in the brain
- Certain opioids, such as methadone, codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone
- Benzodiazepines, which may be used to treat anxiety, insomnia and muscle spasms
Many RLS medications – such as ropinirole, rotigotine, and pramipexole – intentionally increase dopamine levels in the brain. Others, such as gabapentin, help control nerve pain. Your physician may also prescribe muscle relaxants or sleep medications to help relieve mild restless legs symptoms.
“Some of the home and lifestyle remedies can help relieve symptoms immediately, whereas the medications can take longer to work but often have a longer duration of action,” Dr. Banka says.
Patients should understand that medications for the condition tend to become less effective over time. As a result, their dosage or prescription type may need to be modified to continue treating their restless legs symptoms.
What Should I Avoid If I Have Restless Legs?
Patients with restless legs should avoid strenuous exercise since it may make symptoms worse. Additionally, products with caffeine – including coffee, chocolate and soda – can intensify restless legs symptoms, so try to avoid those. Nicotine, alcohol and refined sugar can contribute to symptom flare-ups too.
Other lifestyle changes that may help RLS symptoms include:
- Drinking little or no alcohol or caffeinated beverages
- Stopping smoking
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Getting moderate exercise on a regular basis, especially aerobic and leg-focused exercises
- Giving yourself a leg massage
- Taking a warm bath
- Applying heating pads or ice packs to legs
When To Seek Help For Restless Legs
Patients should talk to their doctor if their restless leg symptoms interfere with getting a good night’s sleep or affect their social, mental or physical well-being. With medical care, restless legs symptoms can be managed. With a proper treatment plan in place – including at home remedies and appropriate prescription medicine – you can get RLS under control.
