Other Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Restless Legs Syndrome

Other conditions that cause symptoms similar to restless legs syndrome include:

• Varicose veins.
• Arthritis.
• Intermittent claudication.

Temporary physical problems that cause similar symptoms include:

• Leg cramps.
• Neuroleptic-induced akathisia, a side effect of certain drugs.
• Maintaining an uncomfortable position.

A person with periodic limb movement disorder is often tired or sleepy during the day because his or her sleep is disrupted by involuntary limb movements, usually in the legs. Although a person is not fully awakened by these movements, they interfere with normal sleep cycles. A diagnosis of periodic limb movement disorder is made only when limb movements result in sleep problems or significant daytime sleepiness that cannot be explained by restless legs syndrome or any other condition.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Revised	March 10, 2011