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In 1685, English physician Sir Thomas Willis wrote about patients who were having trouble sleeping because of “leapings and contractions” of their legs. This is the first known description of the neurological condition we now call restless leg syndrome (RLS). You might know it as itching, burning, crawling, electric, tugging, tingling, achy, or creepy-crawly sensations in your legs that keep you up at night and make you want to move the legs for relief. Having MS increases the risk of experiencing these feelings, many of which mimic symptoms of MS. Because MS symptoms that affect the legs, such as spasticity, numbness, and pain, resemble the symptoms of RLS, they can be confused. Having MS, however, may increase the likelihood of developing RLS (see the sidebar, RLS and MS: What’s the Connection?). It’s important to see your neurologist for a diagnosis and proper treatment. Lifestyle measures and effective medications can help you quiet the problem and get the rest you need.
Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs
RLS refers to uncomfortable sensations in the legs that occur mainly when a person is at rest. These sensations give rise to an irresistible urge to move, to kick, or to get up and walk. The sensations tend to occur deep inside the leg between the knee and ankle, but they might also occur in the feet, the thighs, or even the arms and hands. Usually both sides of the body are affected. Moving the limbs imparts temporary relief, but symptoms often return upon rest. Although symptoms of RLS are more common at night, activities such as a long car or plane trip, sitting for work or a movie, or performing relaxation exercises can also trigger symptoms.
To be sure, RLS symptoms may barely be noticeable to some people. But for others the symptoms may be almost incapacitating, largely because of interference with sleep. Tossing, turning, kicking, and pacing the floor are not conducive to a good night’s rest. On top of MS-related fatigue, sleep loss from restless legs can exact a heavy toll on quality of life and cognitive function.
Both men and women can have RLS, and it can start at any age, even in childhood (perhaps explaining “growing pains”). It tends to worsen over time. However, some people experience spontaneous improvements in restless legs over a period of weeks, months, or possibly years. And if treated appropriately, much of the discomfort and intrusion of restless legs can be diminished.
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