Medical management of restless legs

Restless legs can create an urge to move the legs with crawling, pulling, aching or uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms often appear during rest and may be worse in the evening or at night, disrupting sleep. Restless legs syndrome is one possible explanation. Iron deficiency anaemia, chronic kidney disease and peripheral neuropathy can also be relevant, so a clinician considers your history, medicines and other symptoms rather than relying on the sensation alone.

Keep a record of when symptoms begin, what the sensations feel like, sleep disruption, caffeine or alcohol use, exercise and medicines. Gentle walking, stretching, massage or a warm bath may ease symptoms for some people. A regular sleep routine can make night-time symptoms easier to manage. Do not start iron tablets without checking whether iron deficiency is present; iron supplementation should be guided by test results and clinical advice.

Book a medical assessment if symptoms are frequent, worsening, disturbing sleep or affecting work and concentration. Seek prompt advice for new weakness, loss of balance, numbness that is spreading, severe swelling, or symptoms beginning after a medicine change. Urgent help is needed for sudden one-sided weakness, severe breathlessness or a painful swollen leg.

Ask whether blood tests for iron levels or other causes are appropriate, whether a current medicine could worsen symptoms, and which non-drug measures fit your routine. Ask when follow-up is needed if sleep remains disturbed.