RLS occurs more frequently in middle-aged and older women and may be genetic. Patients report feeling sensations such as cramping, pulling, tingling, crawling and drawing of muscles. Occasionally muscle jerks are present. A small percentage of patients also develop symptoms in their arms. The cause of this disorder is unknown.
Stress appears to be a factor that can exacerbate symptoms.
In the majority of cases, vascular or neurological abnormality can be identified. But in a small number of cases RLS has been associated with peripheral nerve disease, renal failure, anemia, diabetes and malignancy. Treatment is usually symptomatic as there is no cure. Reductions of smoking and caffeine may help. Herbal therapy has been used with varying success.