People with Restless Legs Syndrome describe their symptoms in many ways. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) has categorized RLS symptoms into four major areas that must be present for diagnosis:
- There is a compelling urge to move the legs, usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. Because the sensations that accompany RLS are unusual, patients may have a hard time describing them. They may use words like uncomfortable, creeping, itching, pulling, or creepy-crawly to describe feelings inside the leg. It is not uncommon for the sensations to spread to the arms or other body parts, in addition to the legs.
- The symptoms are partially or completely relieved by movement, as long as the movement continues. The urge to move is irresistible, and the only way to stop or partially relieve the sensations is to move around. However, the relief is not always complete and ends when the activity ends.
- The symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, such as lying or sitting. This doesn't necessarily mean sleep - any prolonged period of inactivity, such as sitting in a chair in the evening, traveling by plane, train, or car, as well as sitting behind a desk or in a movie theater seat - can trigger symptoms. The more restful the position and the longer the duration, the more likely it becomes that the symptoms will occur.
- The symptoms are worse or only occur in the evening and at night. Morning often brings some relief to people with RLS, as symptoms occur most frequently during the early evening and overnight. Studies show RLS symptoms peak between the hours immediately after midnight and lessen in the late morning.
Some of the ways Restless Legs Syndrome patients describe their symptoms:
- Creepy-crawly
- Burning
- Tingling
- Itching
- Twitching