What is RLS?
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If you're here, you've likely experienced that itching, crawling, tingling, pulling sensation associated with RLS. But what actually defines restless leg syndrome? According to the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG), the five criteria for restless leg syndrome are:
- An overwhelming urge to move your legs, especially along with uncomfortable or unusual feelings
- An urge that starts or gets worse while you’re at rest
- An urge that goes away, either partly or totally, when you move
- An urge that starts or gets worse in the evening
- Another condition, such as leg cramps, arthritis, or muscle pains, isn’t causing it
A sleep study and neurological exam can check for nerve damage, circulatory problems, or other sleep disorders that can cause RLS. For this reason, if you think you have restless leg syndrome, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your medical care provider.
Link to IRLSSG