As a neurologist for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), I help patients who struggle with uncomfortable sensations and a strong urge to move their legs at night. If your sleep is disturbed due to leg discomfort or constant movement, this page will help you understand RLS and how I treat it effectively.
Hello, I’m Dr. Mitesh Chandarana
I’m a neurologist and movement disorder specialist. Many people come to me saying, “Doctor, I can’t sleep because my legs won’t stay still.” If this sounds familiar, you might have Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) a very treatable neurological condition.
With the right care, you can sleep better and feel more rested every day.
What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
RLS causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, especially:
- In the evening or night
- While resting or lying down
- After sitting for a long time (in car, bus, or flight)
- During sleep, causing frequent waking
Moving the legs gives temporary relief, but the feeling often returns when resting again.
What Does RLS Feel Like?
Patients often describe the sensation as:
- Creeping or crawling
- Tingling or itching
- Electric feeling in legs
- Uncomfortable pressure
- Restlessness that is hard to explain
These symptoms usually go away with movement like walking, stretching, or shaking the legs but return when trying to sleep.
Who Gets RLS?
RLS can affect anyone, but is more common in:
- Adults over 40
- People with iron deficiency
- Patients with kidney problems
- Those with Parkinson’s disease or neuropathy
- Pregnant women (temporarily)
- People with a family history of RLS
It is not a mental condition. It is a real neurological disorder and can be easily managed.
How I Diagnose RLS
There is no scan or blood test that directly shows RLS. I make the diagnosis by:
- Listening to your symptoms
- Checking if the urge worsens at night
- Asking about sleep patterns
- Reviewing family history and current medicines
- Checking iron levels and kidney function
Sometimes I may recommend a sleep study if other sleep disorders are suspected (like sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder).
How I Treat RLS
RLS treatment depends on the severity and cause.
1. Lifestyle and Sleep Hygiene
For mild symptoms, I suggest:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking in the evening
- Light stretching before bedtime
- Taking a short walk after dinner
- Warm baths or massages before sleep
2. Iron Supplementation
If your serum ferritin level is low, I may prescribe iron tablets sometimes this alone improves RLS.
3. Oral Medicines
If lifestyle changes are not enough, I use:
- Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
- Gabapentin or pregabalin – especially if there’s nerve pain
- Clonazepam or other sleep aids in selected cases
I choose medicines carefully based on your age, kidney function, and other health issues.
4. Treating Underlying Causes
If RLS is linked to:
- Kidney disease → treat uremia
- Diabetes → control sugar and treat neuropathy
- Parkinson’s → adjust medicines accordingly
Why Is It Important to Treat RLS?
If not treated, RLS can lead to:
- Poor sleep and insomnia
- Daytime tiredness and mood changes
- Reduced focus and energy
- Higher stress for you and your family
Proper treatment improves sleep, mental clarity, and overall quality of life.
My Approach: Listen – Diagnose – Treat with Care
Many patients suffer silently for years thinking it’s “just a habit” or “just in the mind.” But it’s not. It’s RLS, and I’m here to help you treat it step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is RLS dangerous?
No, but it disturbs sleep and can affect daily functioning. With treatment, it improves a lot. Know More
Q2. Will I need lifelong medication?
Not always. Some patients only need treatment for a short time, especially if triggered by iron deficiency or pregnancy. Know More
Q3. Can I stop RLS by walking more during the day?
Activity helps, but the main symptoms often return at night. Medicines and routine also play a big role. Know More
Q4. Does RLS affect hands too?
Mostly it affects the legs, but in some cases, arms may be involved. This is rare. Know More
Q5. Is RLS related to Parkinson’s?
RLS and Parkinson’s can co-exist, but they are different conditions. I evaluate carefully to give the right treatment. Know More
Let’s Help You Sleep Peacefully Again
If your legs bother you at night and you’re tired during the day — it’s time to take action. I’ll help you manage RLS so you can rest, recharge, and feel better every day.
Book Your Appointment Today
📞 Call: 8866843843
📍 Medisquare Superspeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
