If you experience leg pain or have an irresistible urge to move about to relieve the pulling, prickling and itching sensations in your legs, you may be suffering from a neurological condition known as restless legs syndrome or RLS. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an unusual condition of the nervous system characterized by the compelling need to move the legs, it usually becomes worse in the evening and can be a problem that may prevent you from sleeping.

People experience restless legs syndrome (RLS) in many different ways, but all sufferers describe a very unpleasant “creepy, crawly” sensation that occurs in the legs when they are sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be very painful, but the pain is unlike that of a leg cramp. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is also different from the feeling of a limb having “fallen asleep” when the blood supply is cut off, and from the “pins and needles” or burning sensation sometimes experienced by those with peripheral neuropathy. The pain and unpleasant feelings of Restless legs syndrome (RLS) appear most often in the calves and can be temporarily relieved by stretching and moving the legs. The same symptoms can also be caused by other conditions including diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, alcoholism, and some forms of arthritis. 

No one knows what causes Restless legs syndrome (RLS). It can begin at any age, including childhood, there seems to be a strong genetic link. Almost 5 out of every 100 people will experience Restless legs syndrome (RLS) at some time. Usually, both legs are affected, but it is not uncommon to experience the unpleasant sensations in only one leg. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. In severe cases, the person may be unable to sleep that is why Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is usually associated with insomnia because sleep deprivation is one of the more common side effects of Restless legs syndrome (RLS), since sufferers may need to get out of bed and walk around many times every night to alleviate the cramps. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurs primarily during waking hours, although it can affect one’s ability to fall asleep. The constant need to stretch or move the legs to eliminate the uncomfortable or painful feelings often prevents a person from falling asleep. Extreme tiredness during the day can be one result, which may bring about the inability to participate in normal activities or carry out regular duties. Restless legs syndrome can affect people of any age, but certain groups of people tend to be more susceptible, including, middle-aged and elderly people, pregnant women, people who suffer from another sleep disorder called periodic limb movement disorder, people who take antidepressant medication and the people whose parent had suffered from Restless legs syndrome (RLS), suggesting a genetic link. Iron and magnesium deficiency is also considered to be the most important risk factor. Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and peripheral neuropathy may also trigger Restless legs syndrome (RLS). Nutritional deficiencies in vitamin B, folic acid (vitamin B9), and magnesium may also trigger Restless legs syndrome (RLS).