🦵 Restless Leg Syndrome: Causes, Relief, and Support from a Family Doctor Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- May 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Do your legs feel jumpy, tingly, or hard to keep still — especially at night? You may be experiencing Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a common but often misunderstood condition that affects sleep, comfort, and quality of life.
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, your trusted family doctor Georgetown TX, we listen closely, diagnose accurately, and help you find real relief.
🔍 What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome (also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease) is a neurological sensory disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs — often accompanied by:
Tingling or crawling sensations
Pulling or burning feelings
Discomfort that worsens during rest or in the evening
Temporary relief with movement like walking or stretching
According to UpToDate and Mayo Clinic, RLS most commonly affects the legs but can also impact the arms or torso in more severe cases.
🧠 What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
There is no single cause, but common contributing factors include:
Low iron levels (even without anemia)
Genetic predisposition (family history)
Nerve disorders (like neuropathy or spinal issues)
Pregnancy (especially in the third trimester)
Kidney disease or dialysis
Medications (certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics)
We often see RLS during sleep consultations at our family clinic Georgetown TX, especially in adults over 40.
😫 What Are the Symptoms?
RLS symptoms are usually worse at night and can interfere with falling or staying asleep.
You might notice:
An urge to move your legs when sitting or lying down
Relief with stretching or walking
Sleep disruption and daytime fatigue
Anxiety or frustration around bedtime
Many patients don’t realize it’s a medical condition — they just know their legs won’t “settle down.”
⚠️ Risk Factors
You're more likely to develop RLS if you:
Are female
Are over age 40
Have a family history of RLS
Have iron deficiency or anemia
Are pregnant
Have chronic diseases like kidney failure, diabetes, or Parkinson’s
🩺 How We Diagnose RLS
There’s no single test, but your provider will:
Review your symptoms and patterns
Ask about sleep quality and daytime tiredness
Check your iron and ferritin levels
Evaluate medications and lifestyle factors
Possibly order a sleep study if other disorders like sleep apnea are suspected
At our internal medicine near me clinic, we rule out other causes and create a custom plan for relief.
💊 Treatment Options
🧬 Addressing Underlying Causes
Treating low iron with supplements or infusions
Adjusting or switching medications
Managing chronic illnesses like kidney disease or diabetes
💊 Medications (if needed)
Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., gabapentin or pregabalin)
Sleep aids or muscle relaxers in select cases
We only prescribe meds when necessary and start with the lowest effective dose.
🌿 Natural Relief and Lifestyle Tips from your Family Doctor Georgetown TX
At our Georgetown wellness clinic, we also recommend:
Stretching before bedtime
Regular, moderate exercise
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
Using warm or cool baths and leg massages
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Trying magnesium-rich foods (nuts, leafy greens, whole grains)
These methods often provide relief without the need for prescriptions.
✅ Top 10 FAQs About Restless Leg Syndrome
1. Is RLS dangerous?
No — but it can affect sleep, energy, and mental health over time.
2. Can it be cured?
Not always — but it can usually be well managed.
3. Is it related to mental health?
RLS can cause anxiety or depression due to sleep loss, but it’s not caused by mental illness.
4. Why is it worse at night?
Symptoms increase during rest and inactivity, especially in the evening.
5. Can kids get it?
Yes — although less common, it can appear in children and teens.
6. Can RLS affect other parts of the body?
In rare cases, it can affect the arms or even the torso.
7. Should I take iron if I have symptoms?
Only if bloodwork confirms low levels. We monitor this closely.
8. Will it get worse over time?
In some people, yes — but many cases stay stable or improve with treatment.
9. Is it linked to other diseases?
Yes — RLS is sometimes associated with diabetes, Parkinson’s, or kidney issues.
10. Where can I get help?
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, your trusted family doctor Georgetown TX.
🗓️ When to See a Doctor
Schedule a visit if:
You have frequent leg discomfort that disrupts sleep
You feel exhausted or unfocused during the day
Over-the-counter remedies haven't helped
You’re pregnant and having restless legs
You want to get to the root of the problem and stop suffering in silence
💬 You Deserve Restful Sleep
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we understand how frustrating Restless Leg Syndrome can be. Whether you're newly experiencing symptoms or have struggled for years, we’re here with compassionate, evidence-based solutions that truly help.
📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX
📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online
Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:
Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX
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