Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or night time hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases, the unpleasant feeling temporarily. Symptoms
The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include:
• Sensations that begin while resting
• Relief with movement
• Worsening of symptoms in the evening
• Night time leg twitching.
RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes the legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep.
People typically describe RLS symptoms as compelling, unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet. They usually happen on both sides of the body. Less commonly, the sensations affect the arms.
The sensations, which generally occur within the limb rather than on the skin, are described as:
• Crawling
• Creeping
• Pulling
• Throbbing
• Aching
• Itching
• Electric
Sometimes the sensations are difficult to explain. People with RLS usually don't describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. They do, however, consistently describe the desire to move the legs.
It's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity. Sometimes, symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back.
The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include:
• Sensations that begin while resting
• Relief with movement
• Worsening of symptoms in the evening
• Night time leg twitching.
RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes the legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep.
People typically describe RLS symptoms as compelling, unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet. They usually happen on both sides of the body. Less commonly, the sensations affect the arms.
The sensations, which generally occur within the limb rather than on the skin, are described as:
• Crawling
• Creeping
• Pulling
• Throbbing
• Aching
• Itching
• Electric
Sometimes the sensations are difficult to explain. People with RLS usually don't describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. They do, however, consistently describe the desire to move the legs.
It's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity. Sometimes, symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back.
Keywords
