Restless Leg Syndrome: Causes and Relief Strategies
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
26 February, 2025
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease is a condition where a person feels compelled to move their legs a lot, especially when they are at rest. It is mostly caused by a weird or uncomfortable feeling in the feet. It can affect anyone, though we don’t know why it happens. It is also a chronic condition that only gets worse with advancing age. The sensation in the feet is normally felt more acutely when you sit at one spot for very long- like while watching a movie, travelling in a flight or having to deal with long car rides. People also feel that they have a compulsive urge to move their feet around, just so that unpleasant feeling does not linger.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome At Night?
The symptoms are most often felt when you try to sleep at night, because there is an unpleasant feeling in the legs- like itchy, electric, pulling, achy or a creepy crawling kind of feeling, with the end result being a compulsive need to move the legs. This can mean that you won’t be able to sleep at night. There is very low incidence in India, though some studies have shown that there is about a 2% incidence in South India alone, with a much higher percentage (9-11%) in North India. A nationwide study has not been done yet. Otherwise, it is a genetic condition. It may also be due to some other medical condition, where RLS is a side effect. Some medications can also cause or worsen RLS related symptoms.
Is Restless Leg Syndrome A Neurological Disorder?
Definitely, because the brain and the nerves work together to coordinate proper movement. When this doesn’t happen in the right way, there is an issue. Since it is related to uncontrollable movements in general, it is classified as a movement disorder. The symptoms get worse when you try to sleep, which is why it is also termed a sleep disorder. Though the exact reason for why it occurs is not known, studies have shown that a shortage in dopamine (an important neurotransmitter in the brain) and a deficiency in iron can trigger RLS and worsen symptoms.
Can Restless Leg Syndrome Be Cured Naturally?
There is no permanent cure for this condition, but like any other chronic issue, it can be managed in the right way. Some common hacks include- moving through the day- like taking short walks, getting some exercise regularly, eating nutritious foods that contain iron and vitamin C and indulging in warm foot baths with salts or oils. These can help calm the feet down. Iron supplements may be taken too. In extreme cases, medications like gabapentin and pregabalin (used as anti-seizure medications) may be prescribed. Dopamine agonists or molecules that simulate the properties of dopamine may also be used in a few cases.
Some of the best supplements for restless leg syndrome relief include those which contain iron in them. But, iron alone is hard for your gut to absorb, which is why you should also take some Vitamin C (lemons, citrus fruits, capsicums, gooseberries etc.), to help in better iron absorption.
Conclusion
Since there is no cure for restless leg syndrome (RLS), its proper management becomes an important aspect to work towards. These techniques cannot be the same for every person either. For some people, medication may work very well, while for others, making simple changes in their daily routine itself can help. For some individuals, using foot soaks and baths and even vibrating pads can greatly help relieve symptoms. This condition normally begins in people who are 45 years and above. If someone is diagnosed before they turn 45, it is called early onset RLS. Otherwise, it is termed late onset RLS. Since you can’t seem to get quality sleep, you may feel irritated and not be able to concentrate well on tasks the next day. This can continue for quite some time, leaving you feeling exhausted and annoyed. So, talk to your doctor, try everything you can to help get better and be patient, so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
