Don’t let the name fool you. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) isn’t about your legs being restless or moving involuntarily. In fact, if you have RLS, you feel the need to move your legs to relieve the real symptoms of the condition.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

RLS is a nervous system disorder also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. The term “syndrome” is applied to medical conditions that have a range of symptoms that are not necessarily related to each other.

• Symptoms - Common symptoms of RLS range from mild to unbearable and include itching, crawling skin, discomfort and other uncomfortable sensations in the legs that trigger a strong urge to move the legs to relieve the symptoms.
• When it Happens - RLS is often called a sleep disorder because symptoms commonly occur at night or when sufferers are at rest. Symptoms can make it difficult to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.
• Who Suffers Most - RLS affects about 10% of the population. It can happen to anyone at almost any time of life, but is more common in women, often during pregnancy.   
  

How to Manage Restless Leg Syndrome

There is no cure for RLS, but many ways to treat RLS symptoms.

1. Talk to Your Doctor - RLS often results from other conditions, like an iron deficiency, which your doctor may be able to identify.
2. Try Moderate Exercise - RLS symptoms are less prevalent during the day, when you are more active. Many sufferers reduce RLS symptoms with regular exercise and leg massages to help overactive muscles relax.
3. Compression Garments - Compression shapewear, including Mass & Slim’s Secret Slim Compression Shorts, helps in relieving RLS symptoms by gently massaging your legs as you wear them. The massaging action promotes blood flow and higher skin temperatures, both of which can help your legs relax.

To learn more about restless leg syndrome and how to treat it, check out our article “Restless Legs? Here’s How to Stop It”.