Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs when you are in a seated or lying down position for a long period of time. This is similar to having an itch on your arm that needs to be scratched. The symptoms of restless legs syndrome can sneak up on you from out of nowhere.
Significance
Restless legs syndrome is not a life-threatening disease, but it can make life difficult. Because you are often restless while lying in bed, you can end up not getting adequate sleep. This can have an impact on your work performance and it can also cause you to be drowsy during the day.
Sensations
The urge you have to move your legs is often accompanied with sensations that feel uncomfortable. The RLS Foundation describes these sensations as creeping, itching, pulling, creepy-crawly, tugging or gnawing. The urge usually stops when you have moved your legs.
Location
The main place that sensations are felt with restless legs syndrome is deep inside the area between the ankles and knees. Both sides of the body are usually affected with RLS, but it can take place on only one side as well.
Identification
Although the condition is called restless "legs" syndrome, it can affect other parts of the body. In rare occasions, symptoms can be felt in the thighs, feet, hands and arms.
Jerks
Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) is another condition that can be accompanied with restless legs syndrome. This is characterized by quick jerking motions that take place every 20 to 30 seconds during the nighttime hours.
Triggers
During the morning hours, the symptoms of restless legs syndrome tend to decrease. But when there are long periods of inactivity, the symptoms can pop up. Examples of these would be long car trips, sitting in a movie theater or having a limb immobilized in a cast.
