Restless Legs

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensorimotor disorder that is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest. The urge to move the legs is usually, but not always, accompanied by unpleasant sensations. RLS symptoms occur during inactivity and they are temporarily relieved by movement or pressure. Symptoms are most severe in the evening and nighttime hours and can profoundly disrupt a patient's sleep and daily life.

Symptoms: An urge to move the legs often associated with feelings such as tingling, creepy-crawly, itching, pulling or aching in the legs during periods of inactivity. Involuntary jerking of the limbs that intensifies in the evening or night and is relieved by movement.

Approximately 10% of adults in the U.S. are affected by RLS. RLS runs in families and may have a genetic component.