Restless legs syndrome
Overview
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition where you have a strong urge to move your legs, usually when resting at night. Treatment depends on what’s causing it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome include: a strong need to move your legsuncomfortable feelings in your legs, such as tingling, throbbing or itchingpain in your legs Symptoms are usually worse at night when resting and can affect your sleep. Some people also have symptoms in other parts of the body, such as the arms. Some conditions can cause similar symptoms to restless legs syndrome, includingleg crampsandperipheral neuropathy.
Causes
Restless legs syndrome is thought to be linked to the levels of iron and the brain chemical dopamine in your body. There’s usually no clear cause for restless legs syndrome, but you’re more likely to get it if someone in your family also has it. It can also be linked to other things, such as: pregnancy (symptoms usually go away after giving birth)iron deficiency anaemiakidney diseasesome medicines
Treatment
Treatment for restless legs syndrome depends on what’s causing it. If another condition is causing restless legs syndrome, treating that may help. For example, you may need iron supplements if you have low levels of iron in your blood. Your doctor might check what other medicines you’ve been taking, as some medicines can make symptoms of restless legs syndrome worse. You may also be prescribed another medicine including: pregabalinorgabapentinpainkillers such ascodeineortramadolmedicines to help with sleep problemsmedicines to increase dopamine levels, such asco-careldopaorropinirole, for occasional use or if other medicines have not worked If your symptoms get worse or do not improve, you may be referred to a specialist for more tests and treatment. Restless legs syndrome can be hard to live with. If it's affecting your mental health, treatments such astalking therapiesmay help.
Prevention
Avoid triggers (caffeine/alcohol); Good sleep routine.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: symptoms affect sleep/daily life.