The “creepy crawlies”
Reasons and results
Relief for RLS
If you get a “creepy crawly” feeling in your legs and/or feet when you sit or lie still, you are not alone. This is a common disorder called restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is a crawling, creeping, tingling or aching feeling that can come and go. Some people go for weeks or months without symptoms.
The cause of RLS is not clear. But it may come from:
The best way to get relief for RLS right away is to rub your legs or get up and walk around. But this relief does not last long, and the feelings often come right back.
RLS most often affects your lower legs but can also affect your upper legs or arms. It is very uncomfortable and can be painful for some people. RLS can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep because it won’t go away until you move or rub your legs. It is very rare in people under age 30. RLS may get worse when you: have a lot of caffeine stay in one position too long are pregnant are very tired are exposed to cold for a long time have a lot of stress smoke
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medical problems such as diabetes, anemia, arthritis, lung disease lack of vitamins or minerals in your body use of certain medicines heredity (runs in your family) If RLS is not treated, it may cause problems such as: being sleepy during the day trouble doing your normal daily functions trouble sitting still during travel, movies, plays, etc. anxiety, depression being irritable
Other things you can do to relieve RLS: Take medicines. (Ask your doctor about these.) Use a heating pad or ice pack. Take a shower or hot bath. Do muscle relaxing exercises. (Ask your doctor about these.) Take aspirin or other pain reliever (only if your doctor says you can). Get regular exercise (early in the day). Avoid caffeine. Don’t smoke. Practice good sleep habits.
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Your doctor may ask you many questions to find out if a medical problem is causing your RLS. If it is, treatment for the problem may cure your RLS. If there is no medical problem, or you have one that cannot be treated, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat your RLS. If RLS runs in your family, you may have more severe symptoms. And it is often harder to treat.