10 Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome, also known as Willis–Ekbom disease (WED), is a disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs. These sensations can be stopped when the person moves, but the condition can plague them once they stop moving. This condition primarily occurs when the person is resting or sleeping, and it can affect the quality of the patient's sleep.This condition is common in the elderly or women, especially women that are pregnant. It can develop in anyone, and even manifest in children. Most cases of RLS are genetic, but many reported cases have been caused by medications or other diseases. Other risk factors include diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes.Restless Leg Syndrome can be treated with sleep aides, minerals, and medications. This condition is often misdiagnosed, which can lead to troubles during treatment.Because of the nature of this condition, it can also cause other side effects. Irritability, sleepiness, and depression may occur in those suffering from RLS. These effects are not symptoms in their own right, but they can be directly caused by RLS. Treatment for RLS should alleviate those side effects as well.If you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from this syndrome, schedule an appointment with a doctor or sleep specialist to discuss treatment options.

1. Leg Pain

One of the main signs of this condition is leg pain, especially in severe cases. While mild cases may just result in mild irritation, itching, or an urge to stretch, severe cases of RLS can manifest as mild to moderate pain in the legs. This can usually be solved with stretching, scratching, or movement of the legs. This need for constant stimulation and movement can disturb sleep and encourage restlessness.The severity of the pain can vary from twinges to a deep muscle ache. Leg massages are recommended before bed to work out existing tension, but additional methods can be used to reduce pain during sleep. During the day, it is recommended that patients walk around or massage their legs to reduce irritation and pain. For people that work sedentary jobs, a doctor may recommend medication or proper stretching in the morning. Stretching and yoga can reduce the likelihood of muscle pain or cramping.Next