The symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, are often difficult to put into words, as each person’s experience is different. The primary symptom associated with RLS is an overwhelming, uncontrollable urge to move the legs when they are at rest.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may have RLS and should speak with your health care professional about your symptoms.
- When you sit or lie down, do you have a strong desire to move your legs
- Does the desire to move your legs feel impossible to resist?
- Would you describe the sensations in your legs as: unpleasant, creepy-crawly, itchy, tugging, itchy, or creeping?
- Does your need to move your legs often occur when you are resting or sitting?
- Does moving your legs help soothe or calm your symptoms?
- Are your symptoms worse in the evening or night than during the day, or only occur in the evening or night?
- Do you ever have involuntary leg movements while you are awake?
- Do any of your family members have similar symptoms?
- Has a discussion with your health care professional not revealed any other physical cause for your discomfort (i.e. Leg cramps, arthritis, leg swelling)?
Many patients suffering from RLS symptoms find it helpful to keep a journal to record their symptoms and daily habits that may be contributing to or improving their RLS symptoms. We have created a symptom journal that may be helpful in evaluating your RLS symptoms and in discussions with your healthcare provider. Download the RLS symptom journal here.
