Covid and restless legs: what to know

Restless legs usually feels like an urge to move, crawling, pulling, aching or tingling deep in the legs. Symptoms often become more noticeable when sitting or lying down and may ease briefly with movement. Illness, reduced activity, disrupted sleep and changes in routine can make the sensations more noticeable.

COVID-19 is not the only possible explanation. Iron deficiency, chronic kidney disease and peripheral neuropathy may cause similar discomfort. A clinician can review your symptoms, medicines and diet and may check blood tests before recommending treatment.

Keep a regular sleep routine, use gentle walking or stretching, and try a warm shower or massage before bed. Limit caffeine late in the day and avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime. Note when symptoms start, which parts of the legs are affected and whether movement relieves them.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms persist after your infection, disturb sleep, or are becoming more frequent. Do not take iron supplements unless a clinician has confirmed that they are appropriate for you.

Seek urgent help for one-sided leg swelling, warmth and pain with sudden breathlessness or chest pain, or for new weakness, loss of balance or loss of bladder control. These features are not typical restless-leg sensations and need prompt assessment.

Could iron deficiency, kidney function, nerve irritation or a medicine be contributing? Do I need blood tests? Which sleep and movement measures are suitable, and when would iron supplementation be considered?