Restless Legs Syndrome
RLS is more common in women. It can happen at any age, but happens more often in adults.
Things that raise your risk are:
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines
- Family history
Certain long-term diseases may lead to RLS. These are:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Low iron
- Neurological disorders
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is based mainly on your symptoms. There is no test for RLS.
Tests to check for health problems that may trigger RLS are:
- Blood tests
- Monitoring of leg activity
- Sleep studies
|Nerves of the Leg|
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There is no cure for RLS. Treatments are aimed at relieving or reducing symptoms.
Treatment for Mild Cases of RLS
Mild cases can be treated with self care:
- Massage your legs.
- Use a heating pad or ice pack.
- Take a hot bath.
- Do not use tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine.
- Follow a sleep routine.
- Begin a safe exercise program with the advice of your doctor.
- Avoid the use of medications that may worsen RLS.
Treatment for Problems That May Trigger RLS
Treating problems that may trigger RLS can ease symptoms or make them go away:
- Kidney failure
Treatment for Severe Cases of RLS
Dopamine agonists are the only drugs that are approved to treat RLS. They are thought to be the most helpful type of medicine for it.
Other medicines may be used to help control symptoms. Some medicines are high blood pressure medicine, antiseizure medicine, and opioids. The medicine you are given will be based on your symptoms and health history.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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National Sleep Foundation http://www.sleepfoundation.org
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation http://www.rls.org
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