For as long as I remember, I’ve had the awful habit of shaking or constantly rearranging my legs. I often do it without even realizing it. My prim and proper mother would always scold me, “Stop it. It’s not lady-like.” Up until recently, I attributed it to habit, boredom or nervousness. That is until I heard about an actual neurological disorder called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
RLS Defined
According to the RLS Foundation, “RLS is a neurological condition that is characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs.” Restless legs syndrome affects everyone to a different degree—some people describe it as a tickly or tingly sensation while others experience itching and even severe pulling or gnawing feelings.
The common factor is that RLS seems to be triggered when one is at rest (sitting or sleeping); keeping the legs moving helps to alleviate some of the unpleasant sensations. Many people with RLS report that the symptoms flare up more during the evening and get better by the morning.
Who Does RLS Affect?
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that RLS affects more than 12 million Americans. It is believed that the number of people with RLS is likely much higher as many cases go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. While RLS affects people of all ages, middle-aged people tend to suffer more severe symptoms and the disorder affects more women than men.
Causes of RLS
There is no known cause of RLS, however there are a number of seemingly related factors that are common amongst those affected:
- People with low iron levels/anemia are more apt to develop RLS.
- Many pregnant women develop a form of RLS during their last trimester, but in most cases, the symptoms disappear once the baby is born.
- Several chronic diseases are linked to RLS including peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, kidney failure, renal disease with dialysis, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and Parkinson’s disease.
- Some medications can exacerbate RLS including certain medicines for colds, allergies, nausea, and seizures.
- Some substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may worsen RLS.
- Research shows that RLS is often genetic.
Treatment for RLS
Since Restless Legs Syndrome affects everyone differently, there is no particular drug that cures all symptoms in all people. Depending on the severity of the condition, certain changes to one’s daily routine may alleviate symptoms while others may require prescription drugs.
For those with mild symptoms, the following may help provide temporary relief or lessen RLS symptoms:
- Iron or vitamin (i.e. folate and magnesium) supplements.
- Reduce the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Regular exercise and stretches.
- Ensure you have good sleep habits; some people may need to adjust their sleeping patterns.
- Take a warm bath, gently massage legs, and apply a hot or cold (depending on your preference) compress to the area.
For those with more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe certain types of drugs such as sedatives, dopaminergic agents, pain relievers, and anticonvulsants.
While I have not been formally diagnosed with RLS, as someone with mild anemia and a penchant for coffee, I can see that I am more prone to develop symptoms. Even after taking iron supplements and reducing my caffeine intake to just one cup of coffee/tea a day, I find that getting up at regular intervals for short walks works the best for me.
While my symptoms are mild, I try to maintain a positive outlook and think to myself: imagine how many extra calories I burn each day while I am sitting down compared to someone who doesn’t have restless legs? 
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