What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a movement disorder that causes a strong, often uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually when you're resting or trying to sleep. This urge is linked to uncomfortable sensations in the legs that people often describe as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling.
These sensations usually happen in the lower legs, especially in the calves, but they can also affect your thighs, ankles or even your arms. You may feel them in one or both legs. The urge to move usually gets worse when you're sitting or lying down, and moving the affected limb often brings temporary relief.
RLS is also considered a sleep disorder because symptoms typically get worse in the evening or at night, making it hard to relax or fall asleep. Over time, it can lead to poor sleep and daytime fatigue.
Anyone can develop RLS, but it’s more common in middle age and can become more severe over time. While there’s no cure, treatment options can help manage symptoms. These may include making lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health issues and taking medication if needed.
Restless legs syndrome symptoms
The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is a strong urge to move your legs, especially when you're resting. This often comes with uncomfortable sensations in the legs or feet that people describe as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling.
These sensations usually happen on both sides of the body and may occasionally affect the arms. It's common for symptoms to get better and worse. Sometimes symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Uncomfortable sensations that start during rest: Symptoms usually begin when you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while, such as during a long car ride, on a plane or while watching a movie.
- Relief with movement: Moving your legs by stretching, walking or shifting positions often brings short-term relief.
- Worsening in the evening or at night: RLS symptoms are typically more noticeable in the evening, which can interfere with falling or staying asleep.
- Nighttime leg twitching: Some people also have a related condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes the legs to twitch or kick during sleep, sometimes all night.
RLS can lead to sleep problems that affect your daily life. These may include:
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- The need to get out of bed to stretch or move your legs
- Daytime tiredness or fatigue
- Mood or behavior changes
- Trouble focusing, remembering things or paying attention
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
When to see a doctor
If you notice an ongoing urge to move your legs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations—especially if these symptoms make it hard to relax or sleep—it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider.
A doctor can help determine if you have restless legs syndrome or another condition causing your symptoms. They can also recommend treatment options to help relieve discomfort and improve your sleep and overall quality of life.
What does restless leg syndrome feel like?
People with restless legs syndrome often describe the symptoms as strong, uncomfortable sensations deep in the legs or feet—not on the surface of the skin. These feelings usually happen on both sides of the body, although they can sometimes affect just one side or even the arms.
The sensations are often hard to describe, but common descriptions include:
- Crawling
- Creeping
- Pulling
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Itching
- Electric or buzzing sensations
Unlike muscle cramps or numbness, RLS doesn't usually cause pain in the traditional sense. Instead, it's the overwhelming need to move your legs that stands out. People with RLS often find that moving their legs is the only way to get temporary relief from the discomfort.
What causes restless legs syndrome?
The exact cause of restless legs syndrome remains unknown. However, it commonly runs in families, and scientists have identified specific gene variants linked to the condition.
Restless legs syndrome might also be connected to problems with the basal ganglia, which is a part of the brain responsible for movement. An abnormal level of dopamine, a brain chemical the basal ganglia use to smooth muscle actions, can lead to involuntary movements.
Some medications, including certain anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and antihistamines, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome. It can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as:
- End-stage kidney disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Pregnancy
- Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
- Low iron levels
Restless legs syndrome risk factors
Scientists have identified several factors that might put some groups of people at higher risk of restless legs syndrome. However, having risk factors does not mean that you will develop the condition.
Some common risk factors include:
- Age: RLS can happen at any age, but it’s more likely to start in middle age or later.
- Family history: If a parent has RLS, you may be more likely to develop it too.
- Sex: Women are more likely to have RLS than men.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine can trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Pregnancy: RLS is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
- Other health conditions: Certain conditions like iron deficiency, spinal cord problems or Parkinson’s disease may increase your risk.
How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?
If you think you might have restless legs syndrome, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and check for other possible causes. There’s no one test to diagnose RLS, so your doctor will use a combination of questions, a physical exam and possibly some lab tests to figure out what’s going on and recommend a treatment plan that works for you.
Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms—when they start, how often they happen and what helps them feel better. They’ll want to know if the urge to move your legs gets worse when you’re resting and if it improves when you move. You’ll also be asked about your sleep habits, any health conditions you have and whether anyone in your family has had similar symptoms.
A physical exam will help check your muscles, nerves and reflexes. This helps rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms.
Blood tests
Your doctor may order blood tests to check for things that can cause or worsen RLS. A common one is to check your iron levels, since low iron is often linked to RLS. They may also look at your kidney function, thyroid levels or vitamin levels to see if there’s another issue contributing to your symptoms.
Sleep study
If your symptoms are affecting your sleep or your doctor suspects another sleep-related condition, they may recommend a sleep study, also called polysomnography. During a sleep study, sensors track how your body moves and sleeps through the night. This can help detect related conditions like periodic limb movement disorder, which causes your legs to twitch or kick during sleep.
Restless legs syndrome treatment
While there’s no cure for restless legs syndrome, treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. The best treatment plan depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether another condition may be contributing to them, like low iron levels or a chronic health issue. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or therapies that can help calm your symptoms and improve sleep.
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Lifestyle changes
For many people with restless legs syndrome, making small changes to daily habits can significantly ease symptoms. These changes are often the first step in treatment and can be especially helpful for those with mild to moderate symptoms. Even if medication is needed, healthy habits can support overall symptom relief and better sleep.
Here are some lifestyle changes that may help:
- Stay active: Regular physical activity, like walking, stretching or gentle yoga, can help reduce RLS symptoms. Avoid intense exercise close to bedtime, as it may make symptoms worse for some people.
- Create a sleep-friendly routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, helps train your body to sleep more consistently. A cool, dark, quiet bedroom and a relaxing routine before bed—like reading or taking a warm bath—can also improve sleep quality.
- Avoid triggers: Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can make RLS symptoms worse. Try cutting back or avoiding these substances altogether, especially in the afternoon and evening.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen RLS symptoms. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, gentle stretching or listening to calming music may help you unwind and reduce symptoms.
- Try leg massage or warm/cold therapy: Some people find that massaging their legs or using heating pads or cold packs helps soothe uncomfortable sensations.
- Limit screen time before bed: Bright light from phones, tablets and TVs can disrupt sleep. Try turning off screens at least an hour before bedtime and choose a relaxing activity instead.
- Stay mentally engaged: When symptoms strike while you’re resting, doing a quiet, engaging activity like reading, knitting or crossword puzzles may help take your mind off the discomfort and reduce the urge to move.
These lifestyle habits can take time to show results, but many people notice gradual improvement. Your
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Medication
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend taking medication. The type of medicine depends on your symptoms and overall health.
Options may include:
- Medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain
- Anti-seizure medications to calm nerve activity
- Iron supplements if your iron levels are low
- Sleep aids or muscle relaxants in certain cases
Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication and dose. Sometimes, it may take trying a few options to find what works best for you.
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Tonic motor activation
Tonic motor activation (TOMAC) is a non-medication approach that involves using regular, gentle muscle activity to reduce RLS symptoms. This may include things like walking at a slow pace on a treadmill, cycling on a stationary bike at low resistance or using a vibrating foot massager.
The idea is that continuous, controlled movement can help calm the nerves involved in RLS. These activities can be done during the day or before bedtime to help reduce symptoms and improve sleep.
Your doctor can help you decide if TOMAC might be a good fit for your treatment plan.
Find specialized care for restless legs syndrome near you
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment options for people with restless legs syndrome. With neurology centers located across North and Central Texas, our team is focused on your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking a diagnosis or need ongoing treatment, we are here by your side every step of the way.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Advanced Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Touchstone Imaging Tyler
2019 Old Troup Hwy , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Glen Oaks Hospital
301 Division St , Greenville, TX, 75401
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care+ Sherman
4028 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Urgent Care - Tyler
8101 S Broadway Ave , Tyler, TX, 75703
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Gastroenterology - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 200, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 120, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Endoscopy Center - Sherman
1615 US-75 Ste B, Sherman, TX, 75090
Sherman Endoscopy Center
1615 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Women's Care & Continence Center - Sherman
260 E Evergreen St , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Anna
601 S. Ferguson Pkwy Ste 100, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd Ste 104, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney University
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Heritage Eye Center
1501 Redbud Blvd , McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
The Laser Surgery Center, LLC
2600 W University Dr Ste 200, McKinney, TX, 75071
Frequently asked questions
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Does magnesium help restless legs syndrome?
Yes, magnesium may help relieve restless legs syndrome symptoms, especially if your levels are low. It supports nerve and muscle function and may improve sleep. Not everyone benefits, so talk to your doctor before starting supplements to see if it’s a good option for you.
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How do you get rid of restless leg syndrome?
To manage restless legs syndrome, try simple changes like regular exercise, better sleep routines and avoiding caffeine. You can also try leg massages or warm baths for relief. If symptoms continue, your doctor can suggest medicine or iron supplements to help. Always talk with your doctor to find the best plan for you.
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Is restless leg syndrome hereditary?
Yes, restless legs syndrome can be hereditary. If a family member has RLS, your risk may be higher. The inheritance is often complex, involving multiple genes. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history to understand your risk and options for early management.
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Does restless leg syndrome hurt?
While RLS does not cause typical “pain”, restless legs syndrome can cause uncomfortable sensations like crawling, pulling, burning or aching in the legs. These feelings often get worse at night or during rest and can disrupt sleep and daily activities. For some, symptoms may be severe enough to need medical treatment.
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What vitamins help restless leg syndrome?
Vitamins like magnesium, iron and vitamins B6, B12, D, C and E may help ease restless legs syndrome symptoms, especially if you’re deficient. Always consult your doctor before starting supplements. They may support symptom relief but will not cure RLS on their own.
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Can anxiety cause restless leg syndrome?
Anxiety doesn’t cause restless legs syndrome (RLS) but can worsen its symptoms. Stress may increase leg discomfort and the urge to move. RLS-related sleep problems can also raise anxiety. Treating both anxiety and RLS together often leads to better symptom relief.
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Do compression socks help restless leg syndrome?
Yes, compression socks can help restless legs syndrome by improving circulation and reducing discomfort. They provide gentle pressure that eases muscle cramps and may improve sleep. While helpful for symptoms, they don’t treat the underlying cause. Talk to your doctor to see if they’re right for you.