Restless Leg Syndrome
What You Need to Know

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that makes you feel like you have to move your legs. People with RLS often feel uncomfortable sensations in their legs, like creeping, burning, or pain. A variety of descriptions of the discomfort have been reported. Moving the legs helps make these feelings go away.

• RLS symptoms often get worse at night, which can make it hard to sleep.
• Symptoms can also happen during the day, especially if you’ve been sitting for a long time.
• They typically present while on a recliner or in bed.
• RLS affects about 5-10% of people, and it’s more common in older adults, especially women.
   

What Causes RLS?

RLS can be caused by:

1. Primary RLS: There is no known cause. It often runs in families and may happen because of dopamine problems (a chemical in the brain) or low iron.
2. Secondary RLS: This happens because of another health problem, such as:

• Iron deficiency (low levels of iron stores or ferritin)
• Kidney disease
• Nerve problems
• Pregnancy (usually gets better after birth)
• Low Vitamin B12 levels and/ or Obstructive Sleep Apnea may worsen RLS

Some medicines can also cause RLS, like:

• Some antidepressants
• Lithium (for mental health conditions)
• Some psychiatric medications
   

How is RLS Diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. To be diagnosed with RLS, you need to have four key signs:

1. An irresistible urge to move your legs, often with uncomfortable sensations.
2. Symptoms are worse when resting, especially when sitting or lying down.
3. Movement helps relieve the symptoms.
4. Symptoms are worse at night or in the evening.

Doctors may also check for low ferritin levels or other conditions that could be causing RLS.
 

What Are the Treatments for RLS?

There is no cure for RLS, but there are treatments that can help. The goal is to manage symptoms and help you sleep better.

If a health condition is causing RLS, treating that condition (like taking iron for low ferritin levels) can help.

Some treatments that can help include:

• Medicines: Some medicines that help with nerve pain, like: Gabapentin, pregabalin
• Opioid medicines: These are strong painkillers used for severe cases of RLS.
• Nerve stimulators: These are usually used for severe cases of RLS.

Doctors usually recommend taking medicine before bed or in the evening, but some may be taken earlier if needed.
 

Is RLS Related to Parkinson’s Disease?

RLS and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are different conditions, but some people with PD also have RLS. Having RLS does not mean you will get Parkinson’s disease.

People with both RLS and PD may also have periodic leg movements during sleep, which is common in both conditions.
 

What Can Patients with RLS Expect?

RLS symptoms can come and go. Sometimes they may go away for a while, but they can also come back. If you have RLS for a long time, you may need medicine to keep it under control.

If you have a family history of RLS or if your symptoms started when you were older, the condition may be harder to manage.
 

What Can You Do to Help Ease RLS Symptoms?

Here are some things that can help ease symptoms:

1. Avoid medicines and substances that can make RLS worse, like:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine 
• Antihistamines (found in allergy or sleep medicines)
• Some antidepressants
• Dopamine blockers (used for nausea)

2. Exercise: Regular movement, like walking or swimming, can help. It also helps you sleep better at night.
3. Massage: Some people feel better after massaging or stretching their legs or using hot or cold pads on their legs.
4. Sleep habits: Make sure you have a regular sleep schedule and keep your bedroom comfortable to help with sleep. If you have sleep apnea- or difficulty breathing regularly in your sleep- treatment may improve your RLS symptoms.
5. Talk to your doctor if your RLS symptoms affect your daily life or get worse.
    

Key Takeaways:

• RLS causes an urge to move your legs and is worse at night.
• It’s more common in older adults, especially women.
• There is no cure, but treatment can help control the symptoms.
• Exercise and good sleep habits can help ease symptoms.
• Talk to your doctor if symptoms interfere with your life.