The Multiple Signs and Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS involves pain in the leg(s) that results in restlessness and an uncomfortable condition. The painful symptoms and conditions accompanying RLS cause a huge toll on the health of the individuals concerned.

An overview of RLS symptoms in brief:

• A painful sensation in the legs urging them to keep in constant motion
• The pain causes difficulty in sleeping or lying down
• Lack of sleep during the night, resulting in daytime sleepiness
• An unpleasant and restless feeling in the legs, which usually worsens at night.

The very name RLS sources from the restlessness that is caused to the limbs due to the diseased condition. There is a great relief associated with the movement of the legs while the pain is constantly on its attack mode.

Patients find short-term relief from the pain by moving their legs, repeatedly tossing and turning, and stretching and flexing. Sometimes a fast-paced walk also offers respite to the uncomfortable situation. Other movements may include, jiggling of the legs, or rubbing the legs violently to get relief from the tremendous pain.

In addition to the strong inner urge to go for a walk, run fast or to make some alternative movement with the legs, there can be many unwanted and unpleasant sensations that might accompany this extreme condition. Sometimes a burning, creeping and aching feeling may strike the limbs from within, and at other times, a strange pull on the legs may leave the limb temporarily disabled and disturbed.

There are times when the pain and the overall condition go beyond any explanation or expression. It becomes impossible to bear the condition silently at rest without moving the legs from their resting status.

Children are also at risk of being affected with the syndrome - though the symptoms and signs in children are completely different from that of adults.

The severe condition of a painful sensation in the legs generally occurs in the lower calf of the legs, but the ripple of the pain is spread all across the legs, in the thigh and ankle. Even the arms may be affected.

The RLS sensation does not allow people to lie down in rest or enjoy a deep sleep at night. It causes sleeplessness and the patient finds it hard to fall asleep. There is a consistent daytime drowsiness associated with RLS - this is due to the lack of normal sleep at night.