Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) often persists because it's a chronic condition with no cure, but symptoms worsen due to untreated underlying issues (like iron deficiency, diabetes, sleep apnea), lifestyle triggers (caffeine, alcohol, smoking, stress), certain medications, or even dopamine-related drug side effects (augmentation). To manage it, identify and eliminate triggers, treat related conditions, and try lifestyle changes like exercise, baths, and magnesium, but consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and to rule out serious causes or medication side effects.
Doctors also may prescribe medications for RLS, such as:
Most medicines prescribed to treat RLS aren't recommended during pregnancy. Instead, self-care techniques and iron supplements may be recommended to relieve symptoms. But if symptoms are bothersome during your last trimester, your healthcare professional may recommend the use of certain medicines.
Things you can do to help with restless legs syndrome
Secondary RLS: This happens because of another health problem, such as:
However, the condition is underrecognized due to a lack of awareness and the fact that the patient does not describe symptoms easily associated with RLS. In clinical practice, the main misdiagnoses are the following: circulation problems, venous diseases, arthritis, back or spinal injury.
Low iron levels have been linked to RLS. This stems back to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in your brain's control of muscle movement, among other things. When you're iron deficient, your dopamine levels can drop, limiting muscle control in your legs and contributing to RLS.
Iron deficiency is a main cause
Restless leg syndrome “can affect anyone, but one of the causes tends to be iron deficiency,” Dr. Epstein said, noting “women who are of childbearing age is one common age group, but then anyone can get it.
Sanyinjiao (SP6): The Leg Tai Yin Spleen Meridian—the point is located on the inner side of the leg, three inches above the ankle and posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.
It quite literally distracts your brain from them. Make sure the sock is snug to do that but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
Medications for RLS
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful in somepeople with RLS. The medications most commonly prescribed for restless legs syndrome are dopaminergic agents and gabapentin.
Highly processed foods: These foods are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, higher levels of sodium, and unnecessary chemicals like MSG. These additives can contribute to inflammation and disrupted sleep patterns, both of which can exacerbate RLS symptoms [7].
Iron-deficiency anaemia
Anaemia (a blood condition) can sometimes cause restless leg syndrome. Iron-deficiency anaemia can be common in pregnancy. You'll be checked for anaemia as part of your routine antenatal care, but you can have a test at any time during your pregnancy if there are any concerns.
If you have mild RLS symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend the following at-home therapies to help you feel more comfortable and fall asleep with restless legs. These may include: Getting regular exercise, such as aerobics, riding a bike/stationary bike or walking.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological condition that affects sleep, general health, and quality of life. Symptoms of RLS include an overpowering urge to move the legs, accompanied by tingling, crawling, aching, or pulling sensations in the limbs.
Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists) and others study genetic and environmental factors that can lead to RLS . They also seek new treatments for the condition. Learn more on the neurology research and Center for Sleep Medicine websites.
The forbidden points—LI4, SP6, BL60, GB21, and CV3—are traditionally avoided during pregnancy due to their potential to induce labor or stimulate strong physiological reactions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using acupressure to ensure both the safety of the mother and the baby.
Studies have shown that acupuncture treatment of RLS can trigger the release of analgesic neuropeptides to relieve pain. Chinese herbal medicine Radix Paeoniae Alba is one of the most commonly used Chinese medicines for the treatment of RLS.
Though TENS electrodes for restless leg syndrome should only be placed on the legs, the electrode pads should be placed on areas of soft tissue only and not directly on top of bones, joints, or areas of blood clots or bleeding.
Leg pain can signal various diseases, often related to poor blood flow (like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)), nerve issues (like Sciatica, Diabetic Neuropathy, or Restless Legs Syndrome), joint/bone problems (like Arthritis or infections), or muscle conditions, with symptoms varying from exercise-induced cramping to persistent aching, swelling, or numbness.
RLS is not a psychological or psychiatric disorder but is due to an abnormality of the control of sensation of movements in specific areas of the brain. It is thought that it is the result of a lack of dopamine in these parts of the brain.
10 Common Triggers for Restless Leg Syndrome
While RLS by itself isn't necessarily life-threatening, researchers have linked it with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and coronary artery disease. Other data link RLS with an increased risk of cardiovascular-related death.
Dizziness, irritability and loss of concentration
Feeling irritable, dizzy or losing concentration quickly could be due to iron deficiency. Iron helps your blood deliver oxygen around the body, and feeling irritable or dizzy may be a sign that your brain is not getting enough oxygen.
The early-onset form begins before age 45, and sometimes as early as childhood. The signs and symptoms of this form usually worsen slowly with time. The late-onset form begins after age 45, and its signs and symptoms tend to worsen more rapidly.