What is Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours, and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. It generally worsens with age and can disrupt sleep.The main symptom is a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs.Getting up and moving around helps the unpleasant feeling temporarily go away. Self-care steps, lifestyle changes, or medications may help. More than 3 million US cases per year.
- The main symptom is a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs.
- Pain in the leg.
- Difficulty falling asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep deprivation, or sleep disturbances
- Whole body fatigue or restlessness
- Charley horse, uncomfortable tingling and burning, or urge to move
- Getting up and moving around helps the unpleasant feeling temporarily go away. Self-care steps, lifestyle changes, or medications may help
- Self-care
- Discontinuing caffeine reduces risk of aggravating certain conditions
- Physical exercise
- Aerobic activity for 20-30 minutes 5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity that avoids the injured muscle group or joint can help maintain physical function while recovering
- Quitting smoking
- Relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, rhythmic exercise, and other activities that reduce symptoms of stress
- Massage to relaxe tense muscles
- Dietary supplement works alone or in conjunction with other treatments to promote health
- Dopamine promoter
- Stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain
- Nerve pain medication
- Blocks pain caused by damaged nerves
- Primary care provider (PCP)
- Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases
- Sleep medicine that treats sleep disturbances and disorders
- Neurologist treating nervous system disorders
