Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS can disrupt sleep, lead to chronic fatigue, and affect daily functioning—but with proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be well controlled.
Leg pain or heaviness can be an early sign of venous or circulation problems
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): When Your Legs Can’t Stay Still
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs—especially during periods of rest or at night.
Patients often describe it as a “creeping,” “tingling,” or “pulling” sensation deep within the legs that is temporarily relieved by movement.
RLS can disrupt sleep, lead to chronic fatigue, and affect daily functioning—but with proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be well controlled.
Common Symptoms
Typical features of restless leg syndrome include:
- Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, often described as tingling, itching, or crawling
- Strong urge to move the legs to relieve the discomfort
- Symptoms worse at night or after long periods of sitting or lying down
- Temporary relief with movement, such as walking or stretching
- Sleep disturbance, leading to daytime tiredness or mood changes
Symptoms usually affect both legs but may occasionally occur in the arms. Severity can range from mild occasional discomfort to nightly, sleep-disrupting sensations.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, RLS is thought to involve imbalances in dopamine, a brain chemical that controls muscle movement.
Several factors can increase your risk:
- Genetic predisposition — RLS often runs in families
- Iron deficiency or low ferritin levels
- Chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or peripheral neuropathy
- Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester
- Certain medications, including some antidepressants and antihistamines
- Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine use
Addressing the underlying cause—such as iron deficiency or medication side effects—can dramatically improve symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and medical history.
Your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes, such as:
- Blood tests to check iron, ferritin, and kidney function
- Nerve conduction or vascular studies if neuropathy or venous disease is suspected
- Sleep study (polysomnography) for severe nighttime symptoms
Treatment Options
Management depends on symptom severity and underlying causes.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, correcting deficiencies, and medications if needed.
1. Lifestyle & Home Remedies
- Regular exercise and stretching before bedtime
- Good sleep hygiene – maintain consistent sleep times
- Warm baths or leg massages before bed
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
- Use of compression stockings or pneumatic compression devices for circulation support
2. Iron or Vitamin Supplementation
If blood tests reveal low iron or ferritin, supplements can help restore balance and reduce symptoms.
3. Medications
For persistent or moderate-to-severe cases, your doctor may prescribe:
- Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
- Gabapentin or pregabalin for nerve-related discomfort
- Low-dose opioids or benzodiazepines in resistant cases (under close supervision)
4. Addressing Related Conditions
If RLS is linked to diabetes, kidney disease, or venous insufficiency, treating these underlying conditions is essential for lasting relief.
Restless Legs vs. Circulation Problems
Many patients confuse RLS with poor circulation or varicose veins.
While both can cause leg discomfort, RLS sensations are neurological (urge to move) rather than vascular (swelling, heaviness).
At our clinic, we use vascular ultrasound to distinguish between the two and ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your doctor if:
- You have frequent or worsening leg discomfort at night
- Your symptoms disrupt sleep or daily activities
- You have family history or risk factors like low iron or kidney issues
Early diagnosis can improve quality of life and prevent complications from chronic sleep deprivation.
Why Choose Us
At our clinic, we offer an integrated approach to restless leg syndrome—combining neurological insight, vascular evaluation, and personalized lifestyle strategies.
- Board-certified vascular and cardiovascular specialist
- On-site diagnostic imaging for circulation assessment
- Comprehensive care addressing both vein and nerve-related causes
- Focus on long-term relief and restorative sleep