Signs of Restless Legs Syndrome

Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

The list of medical symptoms mentioned in various sources for Restless Legs Syndrome may include:

• Abnormal leg sensations
• Painful leg sensations
• Calf muscle sensations
• Leg tingling
• Leg pain
• more symptoms...»

List of 28 Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms

Note that Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms usually refers to various medical symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Restless Legs Syndrome signs may often refer to those signs that are only noticable by a doctor.

Signs or Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome:

NINDS Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page: NINDS (Excerpt)

Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and sometimes painful sensations that are usually accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Sudden muscle jerks may also occur. Movement provides temporary relief from the discomfort. In rare cases, the arms may also be affected. Symptoms may interfere with sleep onset (sleep onset insomnia). (Source: excerpt from NINDS Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page: NINDS)

Restless Legs Syndrome: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful. These sensations usually occur in the calf area but may be felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle. One or both legs may be affected; for some people, the sensations are also felt in the arms. These sensations occur when the person with RLS lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time, such as at a desk, riding in a car, or watching a movie. People with RLS describe an irresistible urge to move the legs when the sensations occur. Usually, moving the legs, walking, rubbing or massaging the legs, or doing knee bends can bring relief, at least briefly.

RLS symptoms worsen during periods of relaxation and decreased activity. RLS symptoms also tend to follow a set daily cycle, with the evening and night hours being more troublesome for RLS sufferers than the morning hours. The severity of symptoms varies from night to night and over the years as well. For some individuals, there may be periods when RLS does not cause problems, but the symptoms usually return. Other people may experience severe symptoms daily. (Source: excerpt from Restless Legs Syndrome: NWHIC)

Restless Legs Syndrome: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Some common symptoms of RLS include:

• Unpleasant sensations in the legs (sometimes the arms as well), often described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful;

• Leg sensations are relieved by walking, stretching, knee bends, massage, or hot or cold baths;

• Leg discomfort occurs when lying down or sitting for prolonged periods of time;

• The symptoms are worse in the evening and during the night.

Other possible characteristics involuntary leg (and occasionally arm) movements while asleep difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; sleepiness or fatigue during the daytime; cause of the leg discomfort not detected by medical tests; and family members with similar symptoms. (Source: excerpt from Restless Legs Syndrome: NWHIC)

More Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome:

More detailed symptom information may be found on the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome article. In addition to the above medical information, to get a full picture of the possible signs or symptoms of this condition and also possibly the signs and symptoms of its related medical conditions, it may be necessary to examine symptoms that may be caused by:

• Complications of Restless Legs Syndrome
• Hidden causes of Restless Legs Syndrome
• Associated conditions for Restless Legs Syndrome
• Risk factors for Restless Legs Syndrome
• Related symptoms

Medical articles on signs and symptoms:

These general reference articles may be related to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:

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• Symptoms and Medical Malpractice

What are the signs of Restless Legs Syndrome?

The phrase "signs of Restless Legs Syndrome" should, strictly speaking, refer only to those signs and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome that are not readily apparent to the patient. The word "symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome" is the more general meaning; see symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome.

The signs and symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. This medical information about signs and symptoms for Restless Legs Syndrome has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Restless Legs Syndrome signs or Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms.

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