How to Tell the Difference Between Leg Cramps & Restless Leg Syndrome

Any time you have discomfort in your legs, it affects your whole life, from how you sleep to how you function during the day. The main differences between leg cramps and restless leg syndrome are cause, duration and intensity of pain and treatment.

Instructions

How to Tell the Difference

• 1

  The causes of leg cramps are intense exercise, muscle tiredness (fatigue), heavy weight and medications. The cause of restless leg syndrome can be any number of medical issues (diseases and/or disabilities) such as anemia, kidney failure, pregnancy and medications.

• 2

  Leg cramps are of short duration (one to several minutes) with sharp, short bursts of pain and contraction of the muscle (in the calf, hamstring and quadriceps). Restless leg syndrome can last for several hours and can occur a few times a week or each night. It consists of a "creepy-crawly," burning or tugging sensation deep within the legs. Patients may find relief by pacing the floors at night. Many patients find this is the only relief.

• 3

  Leg cramps can be treated simply, by drinking plenty of water and stretching the leg muscles before exercising. When a leg cramp occurs, the best and most common treatment is massaging and stretching the muscle. Restless leg syndrome is a bit more complicated to treat. Usually finding an underlying disorder (anemia, diabetes), reducing or removing food(s) or beverages (caffeine, alcohol) and administering medication are the best ways to treat restless leg syndrome.