This disorder, which often appears in otherwise healthy people, is not related to emotional or psychological disorders. Although it affects mostly the legs, it can also affect the arms. People experience restless legs in many different ways, but all describe very unpleasant “creepy, crawly” sensations that occur in the legs when they are sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime.

Restless Legs Syndrome pain is different from the pain of a leg cramp, or the feeling when a leg falls asleep, or the pins and needles feeling that a person with diabetes may experience. The uncomfortable feelings of Restless Legs Syndrome appear most often in the calves of the legs and are temporarily relieved by stretching or moving the legs.

In more severe cases, Restless Legs Syndrome can be painful or disturbing enough to cause insomnia. This results in the person being extremely tired during the day and unable to perform well at work or school, or take part in activities.

Restless Legs Syndrome can further limit a person’s daytime activities by interfering with the amount of time a person can travel by car, airplane or any other type of transportation where sitting for a prolonged period of time is required. Restless Legs Syndrome may also put a damper on such things as movies or concerts or limit participation in business meetings. The sleep loss and disturbance of daytime activities may lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Though the cause of Restless Legs Syndrome is not known, there are some links to heredity and to medical causes such as iron deficiency anemia, poor blood circulation in the legs, nerve problems, muscle disorders, kidney disorders, alcoholism, and vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Other factors that may trigger Restless Legs Syndrome include starting or stopping certain medications, caffeine consumption, smoking, fatigue, hot temperatures or extended time in cold temperatures.

Before prescribing a specific treatment, your health care provider needs to be certain you have Restless Legs Syndrome. You will likely be referred to a sleep specialist for diagnosis, and to determine whether related conditions (such as iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, arthritis or the use of anti-depressants) are contributing to the symptoms.

Home remedies – hot baths, leg massage, applied heat – are effective for some people with Restless Legs Syndrome. Vitamin E and supplemental calcium have also helped. When home remedy is not effective, Restless Legs Syndrome can be managed with prescription medication.