Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment in Winter Park, FL
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs that often disrupts sleep. At Winter Park Family Physicians, we help patients in Winter Park, FL manage RLS symptoms through medication and recommended lifestyle changes so they can rest comfortably again.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS is characterized by an uncomfortable, building sensation in the legs, often described as crawling, tingling, pulling, or aching, along with a strong urge to move them. Symptoms tend to occur in the evening or at night while sitting or lying down. Moving the legs relieves the sensation, but only temporarily, which can make it very difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Common Symptoms
- An irresistible urge to move the legs
- Uncomfortable sensations that begin at rest
- Temporary relief with movement
- Symptoms that worsen in the evening
- Leg twitching or kicking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue from poor sleep
Possible Causes and Contributing Factors
RLS may run in families, and it can also be linked to iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidney disease, nerve damage from diabetes, and certain medications. It often occurs alongside other sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy.
How We Treat RLS
We review your symptoms, sleep habits, and medications and may order lab work to check iron levels and other contributing factors. Treatment may include correcting deficiencies, adjusting medications, regular exercise, leg stretches and massage, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and prescription medication when needed. A home sleep test may be recommended if we suspect sleep apnea.
A Whole-Person Approach
Our functional medicine approach looks at nutrition, gut health, and hormones, including changes addressed through BHRT. Ongoing primary care and telehealth follow-ups help keep your symptoms under control.
Restless Leg Syndrome FAQs
What does restless leg syndrome feel like?
Many people describe crawling, tingling, pulling, or aching sensations in the legs with a strong urge to move them.
Why are RLS symptoms worse at night?
RLS symptoms are typically triggered by rest and tend to follow a daily pattern that peaks in the evening.
Can low iron cause restless leg syndrome?
Yes. Iron deficiency is a common contributor, which is why we often check iron levels.
Is restless leg syndrome curable?
Some cases improve when the underlying cause is treated, and most patients can manage symptoms effectively.
Can lifestyle changes help RLS?
Yes. Regular exercise, stretching, and limiting caffeine and alcohol can help reduce symptoms.
Does RLS affect sleep?
Yes. RLS commonly disrupts sleep and can cause daytime fatigue.
Get Relief and Rest Easier
Call (407) 647-2550 or request an appointment with Winter Park Family Physicians for restless leg syndrome care.