Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
What are common signs and symptoms of restless legs?
People suffering from the syndrome display the following symptoms:
- An irresistible urge to move around caused by uncomfortable sensations which usually occur in the legs. These sensations usually appear inside the leg, between the knee and ankle. Rarely are they present in the feet, thighs, arms, or hands.
- Motor restlessness that relieves the discomfort . People with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize the sensations. They may constantly move their legs while sitting or toss and turn in bed while sleeping.
- Intense occurrence of unpleasant sensations when relaxing . Any type of inactivity such as reading a newspaper or watching TV can immediately trigger the sensations.
- Sensations worse in the evening or at night , especially during the onset of sleep. Some people experience RLS at bedtime while others experience it throughout the day and night.
The RLS symptoms vary in severity and duration from individual to individual. In severe cases, the symptoms occur more than twice a week and result in interruption of sleep and impairment of daytime function. The symptoms may begin at any age, although the disorder is more common in adults. Sometimes people will experience improvement over a period of time (weeks, months, or, rarely, a year). Improvements may occur during the early stages of the disorder. In general, the symptoms become more severe over time.