Tingling, burning, crawling sensations and an irresistible urge to move the legs before sleep may not be a sign of fatigue but symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Neurologist, MD, PhD from Newcastle University Aliya Sagindykova explained why this condition occurs, how to recognize it, and when to see a doctor. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
— Aliya Abkhankyzy, what is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
— It is a neurological disorder in which a person has an irresistible urge to move their legs due to unpleasant sensations. These include tingling in the legs, crawling sensations, fullness, burning, or internal discomfort. Movement brings relief, but only temporarily.
How common is RLS?
— Is it true that almost every second person experiences this?
— No. According to various studies, RLS symptoms occur in about 5–10% of adults. However, clinically significant syndrome requiring treatment is observed in only about 2–3% of the population. By the way, it is more common in women, especially during pregnancy and after 40-50 years.
How to identify RLS?
— What symptoms can help determine if you have this syndrome?
— There are four main criteria. An irresistible urge to move the legs, symptoms occur or worsen at rest, they decrease with movement, and are most pronounced in the evening and at night. Because of this, a person cannot fall asleep for a long time, often wakes up, and feels tired during the day.
How to distinguish RLS from fatigue or cramps?
— But similar sensations also occur with severe fatigue or cramps. How to distinguish?
— The main marker is relief that comes with movement. With fatigue, legs ache after exertion and gradually go away on their own. With cramps, a sharp painful muscle spasm occurs. With Restless Legs Syndrome, a person experiences internal discomfort precisely at rest, and walking or even simple leg movement temporarily relieves symptoms.
Why do symptoms worsen in the evening?
— This is related to the work of the brain's circadian rhythms. Modern research shows that in the evening, the activity of the dopamine system decreases and iron metabolism in the brain changes, so symptoms become significantly stronger in the evening and at night.
Even if hemoglobin is normal, low ferritin can provoke or worsen symptoms. Therefore, patients are strongly recommended to check ferritin, complete blood count, and, if necessary, replenish iron deficiency.
How to help yourself at home?
— How can you help yourself at home?
— Regular moderate physical activity, walks before bed, light stretching of leg muscles, massage, warm shower or bath, as well as maintaining a sleep schedule, reducing caffeine, alcohol, and smoking in the afternoon help.
If symptoms occur several times a week, disrupt sleep, reduce quality of life, or worsen over time, you should see a doctor. Especially do not delay visiting a specialist if symptoms first appear after age 50, are accompanied by weakness, numbness, or severe pain.
Earlier, Aliya Sagindykova explained how to distinguish migraine from tension headache using a self-monitoring diary and in which cases physical activity can be harmful.