National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Restless legs syndrome

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Willis Ekbom disease; Restless leg syndrome
Subtypes:
Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 1; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 2; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 3; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 1; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 2; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 3; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 4; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 5; Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 6 See More
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. The movement is triggered by strange or uncomfortable feelings, which occur mostly while the affected person is sitting or lying down and are worse at night. Movement (i.e. kicking, stretching, rubbing, or pacing) makes the discomfort go away, at least temporarily. Many people with restless legs syndrome also have uncontrollable, repetitive leg movements that occur while they are sleeping or while relaxed or drowsy. Researchers have described early-onset and late-onset forms of restless legs syndrome. The early-onset form begins before age 45 and progresses slowly. The late-onset form begins after age 45, and its signs and symptoms tend to worsen more rapidly. RLS likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are unknown.[1][2] The syndrome may also be classified in several types (RLS1, RLS2, RLS3, RLS4, RLS5, RLS6, RLS7) according to the location in specific chromosomes of some of the genes that are associated with an increased risk (susceptibility) to have the syndrome.  Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.[2]
Last updated: 5/5/2017
Treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) may involve medication and/or finding other ways to relieve symptoms. In some cases, treating an associated medical condition (such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy) may be effective in controlling symptoms of RLS.[2]

Medications are usually helpful but no single medication is effective for all people with RLS. Therefore, trying different medications may be necessary. Common drugs prescribed to treat RLS include:[2]
  • Dopaminergic agents (drugs that increase dopamine, often used for Parkinson disease) - have been shown to reduce symptoms of RLS when taken at bedtime and are considered the initial treatment of choice. However, long-term use can lead to worsening of symptoms, which is then reversible by stopping the medication
  • Benzodiazepines ("depressants" often used for anxiety, muscle spasms or insomnia) - may help obtain a more restful sleep, but can sometimes cause daytime sleepiness
  • Opioids such as codeine, propoxyphene, or oxycodone may be prescribed at night to diminish pain and help with relaxation
  • Anticonvulsants - can decrease the sensations such as creeping and crawling and nerve pain
  • The Relaxis pad - an FDA-approved medical device that can be placed at the site of discomfort when in bed and provides 30 minutes of vibrations
The following non-pharmacologic therapies may help to relieve symptoms of RLS:[2]
  • For temporary relief: moving the affected limb(s); massaging the legs; taking a hot bath; or using a heating pad or ice pack
  • Making lifestyle changes such as decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco; changing or maintaining a regular sleep pattern; getting moderate exercise
  • Taking supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium
Last updated: 12/14/2016

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Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Restless legs syndrome. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
  • The Mayo Clinic Web site provides further information on Restless legs syndrome.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) lists the subtypes and associated genes for Restless legs syndrome in a table called Phenotypic Series. Each entry in OMIM includes a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

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  1. Restless legs syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. October, 2013; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/restless-legs-syndrome.
  2. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. September 9, 2016; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm.