Home > Blog > What is Restless Leg Syndrome: Understanding its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
By - Max Lab
Updated on: Nov 17, 2025 | 6 min read
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes a strong urge in an individual to move his/her legs. This can happen at any time, but is more common when the body is at rest. If resisted, it leads to uncomfortable sensations in the legs, such as throbbing, aching, tingling, etc. Although RLS can begin at any age, it is more commonly seen in middle-aged individuals.
In medical terms, RLS, or Restless Leg Syndrome, can be defined as a neurological condition. This disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system, which leads to extreme difficulty in staying still. As a result, the individual starts moving his leg(s) to control the sensations. Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, this condition is often linked to certain imbalances in brain chemicals that are known to regulate movements in the body. While the exact causes of restless leg syndrome are not clear, it is known to develop as an aftereffect of iron deficiency and kidney disease. Other than this, it also has a genetic influence, which means an individual is more likely to have restless leg syndrome if someone else in the family has it.
As the name of this condition suggests, these sensations are usually limited to the legs. However, they can sometimes affect the arms or the entire body. The intensity of RLS can vary from one person to another. In some people, it can be mild, causing minimal discomfort, while others may experience severe symptoms. While this condition doesn’t affect an individual’s life expectancy, persistent symptoms can interfere with daily activities.
There are mainly two different types of restless leg syndrome, depending on their causes. These are:
Primary RLS: Primary restless leg syndrome, also known as idiopathic RLS, often occurs on its own. This means it is not associated with any other medical condition. In this type of RLS, family history plays a key role. The symptoms usually appear around the age of 40 years and then get worse over a period of time.
Secondary RLS: This type of RLS is usually developed as a result of a certain medical condition or some other physiological change. While there are several things that can trigger restless leg syndrome, some of the most common ones include:
Causes of RLS
While there are no known causes of restless legs syndrome (RLS), several studies show that it is a result of an imbalance of brain chemicals like dopamine. This neurochemical is mainly responsible for sending messages to control muscle movement in the body. When a lesser amount of dopamine is released in the brain, it directly affects the body’s ability to control its movement. This can lead to restless leg syndrome, where one feels the urge to continuously move his/her legs.
Here are a few factors that are known to be associated with restless legs syndrome:
Risk Factors
Here are a few things that put an individual at a higher risk of developing RLS:
Symptoms
Here are a few common symptoms of restless legs syndrome:
Diagnosis
When an individual experiences any of these RLS symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor will start the diagnosis by taking one’s medical history. After that, he/she will review the symptoms and perform a physical exam. Sometimes, doctors suggest a neurological exam and certain blood tests to rule out other conditions. This also helps them determine the exact cause of symptoms one is experiencing.
Treatment
Usually, the treatment for RLS includes taking medications for a certain period and making small changes to the everyday routine. In the case of secondary RLS, it is important to manage the underlying health issues that led to this condition.
Sometimes, it can get very challenging to live with restless leg syndrome, as it disrupts one’s sleep and also affects everyday things. While following the appropriate course of treatment is a must for curing restless legs syndrome, one can also follow a few coping strategies. This will relieve symptoms significantly while reducing overall discomfort.
Several studies suggest that B vitamins (especially B12 and B6), vitamin C, and vitamin E are known to alleviate symptoms of restless leg syndrome. This is why these vitamin supplements are often prescribed as a treatment for restless leg syndrome alongside other medications.
Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a condition that is often associated with iron deficiency. Sometimes, an individual’s brain might have low iron, despite having normal levels in the bloodstream.
It is always recommended to consult a doctor as soon as an individual experiences any symptoms that indicate RLS. The doctor will perform a diagnosis by reviewing symptoms, followed by a physical examination. Sometimes, a few tests are also ordered to rule out other medical conditions.
Yes. A B12 deficiency can cause restlessness. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the nervous system. When an individual has low levels of B12, this often results in irritability, restlessness, and disrupted sleep.
Yes. Magnesium is known for its effectiveness in treating conditions like restless legs in pregnancy. These supplements are often used in combination with other vitamins (B6, B12, C, etc.) as a part of RLS treatment.
Several studies suggest that B vitamins (especially B12 and B6), vitamin C, and vitamin E are known to alleviate symptoms of restless leg syndrome. This is why these vitamin supplements are often prescribed as a treatment for restless leg syndrome alongside other medications.
Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a condition that is often associated with iron deficiency. Sometimes, an individual’s brain might have low iron, despite having normal levels in the bloodstream.
It is always recommended to consult a doctor as soon as an individual experiences any symptoms that indicate RLS. The doctor will perform a diagnosis by reviewing symptoms, followed by a physical examination. Sometimes, a few tests are also ordered to rule out other medical conditions.
Yes. A B12 deficiency can cause restlessness. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the nervous system. When an individual has low levels of B12, this often results in irritability, restlessness, and disrupted sleep.
Yes. Magnesium is known for its effectiveness in treating conditions like restless legs in pregnancy. These supplements are often used in combination with other vitamins (B6, B12, C, etc.) as a part of RLS treatment.
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