Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that has long baffled doctors and for which a cure remains elusive. People who suffer from the syndrome feel a tingling or crawling sensation deep in their legs and have an overwhelming need to move their legs to relieve the discomfort. Sometimes the arms are also affected. The symptoms often worsen at night, leading some experts to cite this condition as a major cause of insomnia and other sleep problems.
Although restless leg syndrome is not health-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and even painful at times. Both drug therapy and simple lifestyle changes offer ways for sufferers to cope. But probably the greatest peace of mind for people with the syndrome comes from knowing that they are not imagining their discomfort.
Symptoms
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A distinctive tingling or crawling sensation deep in the legs, accompanied by an irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve the sensation. Others describe the sensation as an aching. |
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Occurring most frequently at night, disturbing sleep; during the day, the feeling may prevent you from sitting or standing still for any length of time. |
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Usually strikes people over the age of 30; becomes more common as people grow older. |
July 1998 Conditions A-Z Reviewers
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