What are the common signs and symptoms of restless leg syndrome?

Many different symptoms are described by people with restless leg syndrome, for example:
leg pain,
cramps,
tingling,
itchy,
burning, and
aching.
The characteristic nighttime worsening of symptoms in persons with restless legs syndrome frequency leads to insomnia. Because of lack of sleep, children and some adults may be very drowsy, irritable, and aggressive during daytime hours.

Restless leg syndrome usually begins slowly. Over time, the legs become more affected. Less frequently, restless leg syndrome can affect the arms.

Is restless leg syndrome common during pregnancy? Restless leg syndrome is relatively common during pregnancy, especially in the second half of pregnancy. While most medications used to treat restless leg syndrome have not been adequately studied in pregnant women, the non-medication treatments and techniques described above can be very helpful. Furthermore, avoiding caffeine, warm compresses, massage, and regular exercising according to the doctors' suggestions can be helpful.
What causes restless leg syndrome?
The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most people. However, restless leg syndrome has been associated with
pregnancy,
obesity,
smoking,
iron deficiency and anemia,
nerve disease,
polyneuropathy (which can be associated with hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, toxins, and many other conditions),
other hormone diseases such as diabetes, and
kidney failure (which can be associated with vitamin and mineral deficiency).
Some drugs and medications have been associated with restless leg syndrome including:

caffeine,
alcohol,
H2-histamine blockers (such as ranitidine [Zantac] and cimetidine [Tagamet]), and certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline [Elavil, Endep]).
Occasionally, restless leg syndrome run in families. Recent studies have shown that restless leg syndrome appears to become more common as a person ages. Also, poor venous circulation of the legs (such as with varicose veins) can cause restless leg syndrome.