Resting leg pain is a condition known as restless legs syndrome, or RLS, in which the legs feel extremely uncomfortable when sitting or lying down, according to the Mayo Clinic. RLS sufferers constantly want to stand up and move around, so the unpleasant feeling in their legs can go away temporarily. RLS can develop at any age, but generally worsens as people age. This condition typically disrupts sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Mechanism
Restless legs syndrome causes unpleasant sensations that begin during inactivity, such as lying or sitting for an extended period, according to the Mayo Clinic. The sensations lessen when people get up and move, such as by stretching, rubbing their legs, pacing, walking or exercising. The Mayo Clinic states symptoms are typically less bothersome during the day.
Causes
Researchers have constructed a theory for the development of restless legs syndrome, but in most cases the cause remains unknown. Researchers believe RLS develops due to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to the brain to control muscle movement, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Risk Factors
More than half of the people who suffer from restless legs syndrome develop it from their genetics, according to the Mayo Clinic. The clinic states that researchers have found potential sites on chromosomes where genes for RLS may be present.
Pregnancy can increase women's risk for RLS, especially during the third trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, after birth RLS usually subsides.
Symptoms
Restless legs syndrome sufferers typically develop unpleasant sensations in their legs, calves, thighs or feet and tend to describe the unpleasant sensations as crawling, tingling, cramping, creeping, pulling, painful, itchy, uncomfortable, aching and burning.
Diagnosis
A physician diagnoses restless legs syndrome based on symptoms, medical and family histories and the results from a physical exam and tests, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. During the physical exam, the physician checks for underlying conditions that can trigger RLS. Blood tests are ordered to measure iron levels, and the physician may also order muscle and/or nerve tests. The results of these tests will determine whether a patient has a condition that may worsen RLS or if he has symptoms similar to RLS.
Treatment
Restless legs syndrome has no cure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. However, RLS can be treated. The goals of RLS treatment consists of preventing or relieving symptoms, improving sleep quality and correcting any underlying condition that may trigger or worsen RLS.
Lifestyle changes and periodic usage of medication treats mild cases of RLS, while severe RLS is treated with daily medication.
