Restless legs

What it means

An irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by unpleasant sensations deep within the limbs. Symptoms typically begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, are most pronounced in the evening or at night, and are temporarily relieved by movement such as walking or stretching. The disturbance often interferes with the initiation or maintenance of sleep.

Restless legs syndrome is a disorder characterized by aching or burning sensations in the legs that occur prior to sleep or may awaken the affected individuals. Complying with an irresistible urge to move the affected limbs brings temporary relief. Sleep may become disrupted, resulting in excessive daytime hypersomnolence.

In everyday care

Most people with this sign do not have a rare disease — it appears in common conditions far more often. These general reference pages cover the same topic:

Rare diseases that can present with this11

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Ekbom syndrome · Restless legs syndrome · Tachyathetosis · Willis-Ekbom disease · Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome