RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological problem that affects a small percentage of the population. Restless leg syndrome can be caused due to a variety of reasons. The most common causes being anaemia, vitamin and mineral deficiency. It can also be caused due to stress, intake of caffeinated products which cause dehydration in the body etc. The symptoms of RLS are a little difficult to diagnose as it aggravates during the evenings and night time and when your legs are at rest. RLS can cause a lot of distress as it can disturb your sleep and cause a whole lot of secondary symptoms. If you feel that you are suffering from RLS, be sure to check out these symptoms.
1. Irresistible urge to move your legs
If you are always left with an irresistible urge to move your legs, you could most probably be suffering from restless leg syndrome. This urge is such that once you move your legs, you invariable feel much better. RLS is almost always followed by other sensations as well along with this urge to move your legs. This would mean that you will have a weak, creepy or a gnawing sensation on your legs which you just want to subside somehow. Many people compare it to a pulling or tugging on the legs.
2. Sleep disorders
As the symptoms of RLS mostly creeps up when you are asleep, sleep difficulties and associated disorders can trouble you and lead to a disturbed and sleepless night most of the time. Most people who suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome are also victims of PLMS- periodic limb movements in sleep. If these symptoms are continuously bothering you all throughout the night and causing you great irritation, you could be suffering from restless leg syndrome.
3. Symptoms worsening with rest
When your legs are at rest, which is mostly the case in the evenings and at night, restless leg syndrome can be particularly bad and can leave you completely awake at night. You might have to get up and walk around or just stretch your leg muscles or keep moving your legs to get away from this sensation. Discomfort caused while at rest is a sure symptom of restless leg syndrome.
4. Feeling better with movement of legs
While the symptoms of RLS can be overpowering, the minute you move your legs, you are back to normalcy and feel much better. If this is the case, it is a sure way to diagnose Restless Leg Syndrome. Restless leg syndrome is under control when you are active, but can return as soon as you rest your legs. Checkout if these symptoms persist along with the above mentioned one and you can be sure that it is RLS.
5. Symptoms worsen post afternoon
As mentioned above, restless leg syndrome mostly crops up in the night time and evenings. Mornings are comparatively better as you are never at rest and keep moving even if you are at work or at home. If the creepy sensation is always troubling you in the night and evening time, it will mostly be due to RLS.
