MedlinePlus: Restless Legs

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Illustration of a leg showing the leg bones

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National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Restless Legs is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Restless Legs

Also called: RLS

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long.

In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. In other cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Some medicines can also cause temporary RLS. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol may make symptoms worse.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques and moderate exercise during the day can help. If those don't work, medicines may reduce the symptoms of RLS.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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Restless Legs Syndrome(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Restless Legs Syndrome(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary

Basics	Learn More	Multimedia & Cool Tools
Overviews Latest News Diagnosis/Symptoms Treatment	Disease Management Related Issues	No links available
Research	Reference Shelf	For You
Clinical Trials Journal Articles	Dictionaries/Glossaries Directories Organizations	Women

Overviews
- Restless Leg Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
  Also available in Spanish
- Restless Legs Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions(Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation)
Latest News
- Common Drug Eases Restless Legs Syndrome(04/29/2009, HealthDay)
- Pot Belly Boosts Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome(04/06/2009, HealthDay)
- Estrogen Tied to Restless Legs During Pregnancy(02/13/2009, Reuters Health)
Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome(We Move)
Treatment
- Medications to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome(We Move)
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Disease Management
- Lifestyle Changes and Activities(We Move)
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Related Issues
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Restless Legs Syndrome(Merck & Co., Inc.)
- What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?(We Move)
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Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institutes of Health)
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
- Glossary of Terms(We Move)
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Directories
- Find a Sleep Professional(National Sleep Foundation)
- Healthcare Provider Directory(Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation)
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Organizations
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Women
- Drug Treatment During Pregnancy(We Move)
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