BBC HomeExplore the BBC

13 July 2009
Accessibility help
Text only
TV and radio Directory A to Z Talk Lifestyle Health homepage

BBC Homepage


Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 
Feet

Restless legs syndrome

Dr Rob Hicks

Restless legs syndrome, also known as Ekbom's syndrome, causes tingling, discomfort and sometimes outright pain in the legs.


What causes it?

In most cases, the cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown. It can run in families and it can develop if a person has kidney problems or anaemia, or during pregnancy.

Symptoms are made worse by rest and are relieved by activity. They are usually worse at night and can disturb sleep, by the legs being 'restless'. Many people with restless legs syndrome find they go through periods when they don't have symptoms.

Who's affected?

Restless legs syndrome is thought to affect between two to 15 per cent of the population, with women being affected more often than men.

It's more likely to occur as a person gets older and is most common after middle age. It can occur in children but only rarely.

What's the treatment?

There's no cure for restless legs syndrome and since the precise cause isn't known it can't be prevented.

Treatment options include:

  • Increasing activity
  • Rubbing the legs
  • Increasing alertness and wakefulness, by doing a crossword for example
  • Reducing caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake
  • Medication

Emotional support and reassurance that it doesn't develop into a more serious disease is important.

Advice and support

RLS:UK

Website: www.restlesslegs.org.uk

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2006.


Back to top



Disclaimer

All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.

In Lifestyle

Movement disorders

Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk

News: Drug for restless legs syndrome
News: Low iron linked to restless legs

Elsewhere on the web

NHS Choices: restless leg syndrome
The BBC is not responsible for content on external websites



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy