Guide · 2 min read
Restless Leg Syndrome – Diagnosis & Treatment
Get relief from the uncomfortable urge to move your legs. We check for and treat restless leg syndrome (RLS).
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
RESTLESS LEGS · OVERVIEW
Restless legs at a glance
- RLS causes a strong urge to move your legs.
- It is worst in the evening, at night and at rest.
- Moving, like walking or stretching, brings relief.
- Low iron is a common cause that can be treated.
- RLS is not life-threatening, but it can badly hurt sleep.
See a sleep doctor if…
- You feel crawling, tingling or aching in your legs
- You have a strong urge to move your legs
- Symptoms get worse at rest and in the evening
- Leg feelings make it hard to fall asleep
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is also called Willis-Ekbom disease. It causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, most often in the evening or at night. It is a common cause of insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep) and broken sleep.
What are the symptoms of RLS?
- Uncomfortable feelings — Feelings in the legs such as crawling, tingling or aching
- A strong urge to move — An urge to move the legs that is hard to resist
- Worse at rest — Symptoms get worse when you rest and in the evening
- Moving helps — Walking or stretching brings relief
- Trouble falling asleep — It can be hard to fall asleep
How is RLS diagnosed?
Doctors mainly diagnose RLS by asking about your symptoms. They check them against a set list of signs. You may also need:
- Iron tests — Low ferritin (the iron your body has stored) is a common cause that can be treated
- Blood tests — To check how your kidneys work and look for other causes
- Sleep study — To check for leg movements that repeat during sleep (periodic limb movements)
How is RLS treated?
- Iron pills — If your ferritin is low
- Dopaminergic medicines — Medicines that act on dopamine, a brain chemical
- Alpha-2-delta ligands — Nerve medicines such as gabapentin and pregabalin
- Lifestyle changes — Regular exercise, and no caffeine or alcohol
- Better sleep hygiene — Healthy sleep habits
Call (512) 931-1575 to book your RLS visit.
RESTLESS LEGS · DIAGNOSIS
How RLS is diagnosed
- 1
Talk about symptoms
Your doctor checks your symptoms against a set list of signs.
- 2
Iron tests
Low ferritin (stored iron) is a common, treatable cause.
Key point - 3
Blood tests
These check your kidneys and look for other causes.
- 4
Sleep study if needed
It checks for leg movements that repeat during sleep.
Common questions
What causes restless leg syndrome?
Is RLS a serious condition?
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- NIHRestless Legs Syndrome
- Sleep FoundationRLS
- NIHRestless Legs
- AASMRestless Legs Syndrome
- NIHSleep Disorders
- AASMSleep Education
Part of our restless legs and limb movements service.