Preparing for an appointment

If you have symptoms of RLS, make an appointment with your doctor. After an initial evaluation, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the nervous system (neurologist) or a sleep specialist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down your symptoms, including when they started and when they tend to occur.
• Write down key medical information, including other conditions you have and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you're taking, including vitamins and supplements. Also note whether there's a history of RLS in your family.
• Take a family member or friend along. Someone who accompanies you may remember information you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor about RLS include:

• What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatment options are available for this condition?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• What self-care steps might improve my symptoms?
• Do you have educational materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?
• Where can I find a support group for people with RLS?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• Do you get an irresistible urge to move your legs?
• What words describe your symptoms?
• Do your symptoms start while you're sitting or lying down?
• Are your symptoms worse at night?
• Does movement make you feel better?
• Have you been told that you kick, shake or otherwise move your legs while sleeping?
• Do you often have trouble falling or staying asleep?
• Are you tired during the day?
• Does anyone else in your family have restless legs?
• How much caffeine do you have daily?
• What is your typical exercise program?
• Are you at risk of low iron due to such things as limiting meat in your diet, donating blood frequently or blood loss from a recent surgery?

What you can do in the meantime

To ease your symptoms, try:

• Cutting back on or eliminating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
• Massaging your legs while soaking in a warm bath