Symptoms of restless legs syndrome can vary between individuals in character and intensity. Symptoms of restless legs syndrome can occur at any age, but is more common in older adults and the elderly.
Classic symptoms include sudden uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable need to move to relieve symptoms. These sensations may be described as pulling, tingling, burning, creeping, crawling, and/or pain. These symptoms can also occur in the arms in some people.
Symptoms are worse or only occur when the body is at rest. They often can be relieved to different degrees by movement of the affected limb. Symptoms are worse at night and can result in sleep disturbances and secondary symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
A similar condition called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) may also accompany restless legs syndrome. This condition has symptoms that include involuntary kicking or twitching of the legs during sleep. People who experience periodic limb movements of sleep can be unaware of the condition.
Symptoms occur at different intervals in different people. Symptoms that occur only during pregnancy generally disappear after delivery. Some people may experience long periods of time without symptoms. However, symptoms generally return at some point....more about Restless Legs Syndrome »
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Restless Legs Syndrome includes the 28 symptoms listed below:
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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 (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)
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)
When considering symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome, it is also important to consider Restless Legs Syndrome as a possible cause of other medical conditions. The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Restless Legs Syndrome may cause:
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The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. This signs and symptoms information 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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