Why Are My Legs So Restless at Night? A Guide to RLS
For many, it’s a frustratingly familiar scenario: you finally lie down to rest after a long day, but your legs have other plans. That uncontrollable urge to move, accompanied by strange crawling, tingling, or aching sensations, is the hallmark of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
This neurological condition can severely disrupt sleep and impact your quality of life. At the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC, we help patients in the Frederick, Maryland area and beyond understand the potential causes of RLS, especially when they are related to foot and ankle health. Let’s explore the issue in the blog below!
What Are the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS is more than just fidgeting. It’s characterized by a distinct set of symptoms.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- An overwhelming, often irresistible, urge to move your legs.
- Unpleasant sensations deep within the legs, described as crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, or itching.
- Symptoms that primarily occur during periods of rest or inactivity, like sitting or lying down.
- A temporary relief from the discomfort when you move, such as stretching, jiggling, or walking.
- Symptoms that are typically worse in the evening or at night.
If so, RLS is the likely culprit.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome? The Foot & Ankle Connection
While the exact cause of RLS isn’t always known, it is often linked to underlying medical conditions. From a podiatric perspective, several issues can trigger or mimic the symptoms of RLS, including:
- Peripheral Nerve Issues: Conditions that affect the nerves in your lower legs and feet can be a primary cause. Damage or compression of these nerves can send abnormal signals to the brain, creating uncomfortable sensations and the urge to move.
- Poor Circulation: Inadequate blood flow to the legs and feet, sometimes related to conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), can lead to symptoms that are very similar to RLS.
- Iron Deficiency: Low levels of iron in the brain have been strongly linked to RLS.
- Other Medical Conditions: RLS can also be associated with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis.
Why a Professional Diagnosis is Crucial
Because RLS symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a diagnostic evaluation is essential.
- It’s important to rule out or identify underlying causes like nerve compression or circulatory problems.
- At our Frederick, MD office, we can perform diagnostic tests to assess your nerve health and circulation, helping to pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
- An accurate diagnosis is the key to creating an effective treatment plan!
How Do You Treat Restless Leg Syndrome?
Treatment for RLS focuses on managing symptoms and addressing any underlying cause. This might include lifestyle changes, supplements (if an iron deficiency is found), or medications. When a specific podiatric issue, like a pinched nerve, is identified as the cause, targeted treatments can provide significant relief.
Like Dr. Michaels always says: If It’s Below the Knee, Think of Me!
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC offers comprehensive podiatric services. Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.
