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🌿 Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
🌿 Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) — also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease — is a neurological sensory-motor disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, typically in response to uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations. Symptoms usually occur during periods of rest or inactivity, especially in the evening or at night, and are relieved by movement.
Common Symptoms:
- Unpleasant sensations in the legs: tingling, creeping, pulling, crawling, or aching
- Urge to move the legs to relieve these sensations
- Symptoms worsen during rest or inactivity
- Worse in the evening or at night
- Temporary relief with walking, stretching, or movement
- Can lead to difficulty falling asleep and insomnia
Note: In severe cases, arms and other body parts may also be affected.
Causes & Risk Factors:
Primary (Idiopathic RLS)
- Often familial (autosomal dominant inheritance pattern)
- More common in middle-aged and elderly
Secondary RLS
Associated with:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Pregnancy (especially third trimester)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Certain medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines)