Doctors consider it a sleep disorder because it usually happens or gets worse while you’re at rest. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. Your sympt… A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. A neurological exam can check for nerve damage or blood vessel problems. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.Restless legs syndrome, now known as restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED), can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. Common accompanying characteristics of The sensations, which generally occur within the limb rather than on the skin, are described as:Sometimes the sensations are difficult to explain. Symptoms can come and go and severity can also vary. A sleep study called polysomnography can tell them if you have other sleep disorders that might cause RLS.There’s no cure for restless legs syndrome itself, but treatments can help control it so you can get a good night’s sleep.If another condition is causing your restless legs, such as an iron deficiency, your doctor will treat it.Treatment for RLS itself will target your symptoms. The condition can also happen in other areas like the arms, chest, or head. 2. If your RLS is mild or moderate, some small changes to your everyday life might help: getting regular exercise; following a sleep schedule; and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.Medications help some people. "Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation: "About RLS: Frequently Asked Questions. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily acti… Your doctor might want to talk to your sleep partner about what they’ve noticed.The five basic criteria for a diagnosis of RLS are:Your doctor may use lab tests to rule out other conditions. You might also have an overwhelming urge to move your legs. Nearly half of the people with RLS also have a family member with the condition.There’s no medical test for RLS. People with It's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity. Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a common nerve condition where you have unpleasant creeping, tugging, or pulling feelings in your legs. All rights reserved. You have a strong, often irresistible urge to move your legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations typically described as crawling, creeping, cramping, tingling or pulling. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). TENS electrode placement for Restless Leg Syndrome As you can see in the below picture you want to place the 2 pads on the back of the legs just above where your knee is. If you start to feel worse, they might suggest different lifestyle changes or medications.It can help to talk to other people who know what you’re going through, whether it’s a family member who has RLS or a support group.The University of Washington Neuroscience for Kids: "Restless Legs Syndrome. They might come and go, and the intensity can vary between episodes. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. They can also happen on only one side, or they might start on one side and then move to the other.RLS symptoms range from mild to unbearable. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Your doctor will take your medical history and ask for a description of your symptoms. But some people go into remission and don’t have symptoms for days to years.Keep your doctor updated on how you’re doing. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system disorder that causes a severe urge to move your legs. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological disorder. Sympt… Restless leg Syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological exam can check for nerve damage or vessel... Can check for nerve damage or blood vessel problems Foundation for medical Education and Research ( )... With the chief symptom is an urge to move the legs place pads. National Institute of neurological Disorders and Stroke: `` About RLS: Frequently Asked Questions offers on books and from... 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