Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations.

Symptoms
RLS leads to sensations in the lower legs that make you uncomfortable unless you move your legs. These sensations:

• Usually occur at night when you lie down, or sometimes during the day when you sit for long periods of time
• May be described as creeping, crawling, aching, pulling, searing, tingling, bubbling, or crawling
• May last for 1 hour or longer
• Sometimes also occur in the upper leg, feet, or arms

You will feel an irresistible urge to walk or move your legs, which almost always relieves the discomfort.
Most patients have rhythmic leg movements during sleep hours, called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

All of these symptoms often disturb sleep. Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings.

Note: Symptoms may be worse during stress or emotional upset.

Treatments

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.
Treatment is aimed at reducing stress and helping the muscles relax. The following techniques may help:

• Warm baths
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Massage

Low doses of pramipexole or ropinirole (Requip) can be very effective at controlling symptoms in some people.

If your sleep is severely disrupted, your health care provider may prescribe medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication), gabapentin and pregabalin, or tranquilizers such as clonazepam. However, these medications may cause daytime sleepiness.

Patients with iron deficiency will receive iron supplements.
Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Restless Leg Syndrome