Woman felt strange sensation in legs for 6 months, pain was worse at night while lying down. Hyderabad Neurologist reveals what went wrong

A 40-year-old woman reported an uncomfortable sensation in both legs for 6 months and it turned out she was diagnosed with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The details of the case were shared by Dr Sudhir Kumar, who works at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, in which he revealed that the symptoms experienced by the woman worsened during the night when she laid down and during long travel.

Dr Sudhir described key signs that the pain was relieved when the woman shook or moved her legs but there was no numbness and it helped distinguish the condition from other neurological or muscular disorders.

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What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

According to Mayo Clinic, Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes a very strong urge to move the legs. It typically happens in the evening or at night when sitting or lying down. Moving eases the discomfort for a short time. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities. RLS is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. Symptoms occur mainly at night.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, in a detailed post on X also echoed similar thoughts and said that the symptoms of RLS "worsen at rest and improve with movement, and affect more commonly at night." (sic)

Common underlying causes

In his post, Dr Sudhir listed common underlying causes/associations of Restless Legs Syndrome which included iron deficiency, low serum ferritin. RLS is more common in pregnant women in the third trimester.

Common causes

Iron deficiency (most important)

Low serum ferritin, even if haemoglobin is normal

Considered the strongest and most reversible cause

Target ferritin levels above 50–75 ng/mL for symptom control

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Pregnancy

More common in the third trimester

Symptoms usually resolve after delivery

Medications

Common triggers include antihistamines, SSRIs/SNRIs, and antipsychotics

Dopamine blockade can worsen symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy

Seen in conditions like diabetes or vitamin B12 deficiency

May coexist with or mimic RLS symptoms

Netizens react

"Because my mom faced it, it decreased a bit after dialysis. She passed away in 2020 with Covid (from the hospital). A dreadful end," a netizen commented. "RLS My father is having for years! Not relieved with Pregabalin and even Ropirinole! Ferritin is normal though with normal kidney function!," wrote another.

"RLS. She needs iron therapy first. Raise serum ferritin above 200ųg ideally via iron pills every other day or via iron infusions. And refuse dopamine agonists!," another user advised.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on X. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.