Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a fairly common condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs.
The symptoms of RLS can vary from being mild to severe. In severe cases, the condition can be particularly distressing and cause disruption to daily activities.
As well as experiencing unpleasant sensations in the legs, a person with RLS will also have an overwhelming urge to move their legs in order to get some relief.
RLS was first officially described in 1945 by a Swedish neurologist called Karl-Axel Ekbom. As a result, RLS is sometimes known as Ekbom syndrome.
Types of RLS
There are two types of RLS which are described below.
- Primary RLS - occurs naturally, often during early adulthood. Initially, the symptoms are mild and infrequent, before becoming more frequent and severe in later life. Primary RLS can cause difficulty sleeping and disturbed sleep.
- Secondary RLS - occurs as a complication of another health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia, kidney failure, or Parkinson’s disease.
The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an imbalance of a chemical in the brain called dopamine.
How common is RLS?
It is estimated that between 5-10% of adults in western countries will develop RLS at some point during their life, with over five million people in the UK being affected by the condition.
RLS can affect both sexes, although women tend to be affected more often than men. The condition is also more common in older people, and the symptoms tend to get worse and more persistent as a person gets older.
If the symptoms of RLS are very mild, no treatment will be necessary. In cases where RLS is more troublesome, simple lifestyle changes can often help to ease the symptoms. For severe RLS, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is often recommended.
