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Date issued: November 2023

For review: November 2025

Ref: A-101/S/V/CC/Restless leg v5

PDF: Restless leg syndrome.pdf [pdf] 166KB

Introduction

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a fairly common and treatable condition, which usually affects the lower legs, causing tingling or numbness. People often report a feeling of intense restlessness and itching that is only relived by movement of the limb. It can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime drowsiness. RLS affects both sexes. It can begin at any age and may intensify as people get older.  Although RLS is not life threatening, it can have a serious impact on day-to-day life. People can suffer from daytime tiredness if their sleep is disturbed and this can also impact on their ability to function on a daily basis.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually occur in the legs between the knee and the ankle. However, it is also possible to experience symptoms in the feet, thighs, arms and hands. People do not usually describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. The most common symptoms experienced by people include:

• A sensation of tingling and numbness in the affected limb.

• Reports of pain and/ or a deep ache in the limb.

• An increase in their symptoms associated with inactivity, especially at night, leading to sleep problems and restlessness.

• Moving the affected limb eases symptoms of restlessness.

People with RLS also experience frequent twitching of their limbs throughout the night. This condition is also known as Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PMLD). Although this RLS does not lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from bothersome to incapacitating. It is common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity, and for symptoms to disappear for periods of time.

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

At present there is no known cause for this particular problem of RLS. There is good evidence to suggest that the condition may run in families, especially where the condition has started at an early age. People are at an increased risk of experiencing RLS by having the following conditions or problems:

• Diabetes

• Pregnancy

• Iron deficiency anaemia

• Chronic alcoholism

Some medication can additionally increase the symptoms, especially those for depression, controlling blood pressure, anti-sickness medication and some cold and allergy treatments.

A diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. There are no specific tests undertaken to diagnose this condition.

Treatment

It is important to firstly treat any underlying cause such as iron deficiency anaemia, as this may alleviate symptoms of RLS. If the cause is not related to any associated condition, the treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, which are explained below. Medication can be sometimes prescribed for severe cases. These include drugs used for Parkinson’s disease (which modify the signals that the nerves send to the brain) but can also include sedatives, drugs used for epilepsy and painkillers.

Management and Self-Care

Some relief can be achieved by using the following techniques:

• Stretching and massaging the affected limbs.

• Taking a hot bath in the evening can relax the muscles.

• Avoiding tea, coffee and coca cola (which can contain high levels of caffeine) and also avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

• Applying cold or hot compresses to the affected limb.

It is very important to establish a good sleep routine as this can assist greatly in reducing the symptoms of RLS. Fatigue tends to worsen the symptoms. Ideally, you should try to sleep in a cool, quiet and comfortable environment. Going to bed at a similar time each night and rising at the same time in the morning has also been found to be helpful. Regular exercise during the day may additionally assist in relieving symptoms.

Contact details

Vascular Surgical Unit

Surgical Directorate

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Derriford Hospital

PL6 8DH

Tel 01752 202082

Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Lead Clinician

Mr Devender Mittapalli

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular and Transplant Surgeon

Mr Jamie Barwell

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Surgeon Commander Cris Parry RN

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Miss Catherine Western

Secretary: 01752 431805

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Lt Col Robert Faulconer

Secretary: 01752 431805

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Mr Hashem Barakat

Secretary: 01752 431822

Vascular Scientists

• Mrs J George
• Mr A Ellison
• Mr R Craven

01752 439228

Vascular Nurse Specialist

Mr Alan Elstone

01752 431805

Matron

Judy Frame

01752 431847