Restless legs syndrome (RLS) typically causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs and an uncomfortable sensation in your legs and sometimes arms, chest and face.
A range of different sensations have been reported by people with RLS, including:
- tingling, burning, itching or throbbing
- a 'creepy-crawly' feeling
- feeling like fizzy water is inside the blood vessels in the legs
- cramping in the calf’s or legs
These unpleasant sensations can often be relieved by moving or rubbing your legs. They can range from mild to unbearable and are usually worse in the evening and during the night.
Some people experience symptoms now and again, while others have them every day. It may be difficult to sit for long periods of time, for example on a long train journey.
Just over half of people with RLS also experience episodes of lower back pain.
Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS)
About four out of five people with RLS also have a condition that is known as periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS).
If you have PLMS, you will have jerky or twitchy leg movements at night, while you are asleep. The movements are involuntary (you have no control over them) and may occur every 10-60 seconds.
The leg movements of PLMS can be severe enough to wake up both you and your partner. They may also sometimes occur when you are awake and resting.
