Restless Leg Syndrome
Can’t stop moving your legs at bedtime? You aren’t alone. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) - also known as Willis-Ekbom disease - is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It can begin at any age and generally worsens as the patient gets older. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.
The main symptom is an urge to move the legs. Other common symptoms of RLS include:
Sensations that begin after rest. The sensation typically begins after you've been lying down or sitting for an extended time, such as in a car, airplane or movie theatre.
Relief with movement. The sensation of RLS lessens with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking.
Worsening of symptoms in the evening. Symptoms occur mainly at night and with RLS individuals will notice symptoms progressing as the day goes on.
Nighttime leg twitching. RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes your legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep.
People typically describe RLS symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their legs or feet. They usually happen on both sides of the body. 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 their legs.