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Resumen El síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI) es un trastorno relacionado con la necesidad imperiosa de mover las extremidades inferiores, inicia a diferentes horas del día y empeora en la noche. Es aliviado por la actividad y afecta la calidad de vida y del sueño de quienes lo padecen. A pesar de ser un trastorno común a cualquier edad, en adultos tiene una prevalencia de hasta el 10%, es poco diagnosticado por los médicos de primer nivel y especialistas, por lo cual las intervenciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas se ven retrasadas. Lo anterior contribuye a la perpetuación de sus síntomas y empeoramiento de la calidad de vida. Ya que su diagnóstico es netamente clínico, familiarizarse con este trastorno del ciclo sueño vigilia, es fundamental para garantizar un adecuado enfoque y así descartar otras patologías que suelen confundirse con ésta entidad. El SPI posee etiología multifactorial, que abarca desde un componente genético y hereditario, denominándose SPI primario, hasta su asociación con múltiples patologías, conocido como SPI secundario. En cuanto a su tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico está orientado al control de los síntomas, ya que su curación no es posible, aunque ocasionalmente esta entidad puede remitir, para luego en meses o años recaer nuevamente. Abstract Restless legs syndrome is a disorder associated with the imperative need to move the legs, starting at different times of day and it gets worse at night, relieved by activity, affecting the quality of life and sleep who sufferers it. Despite being a common disorder at any age, in adults with a prevalence of up to 10%, is not diagnosed by doctors and frst level specialists that is why diagnostic and therapeutic interventions get delayed contributing to the perpetuation of symptoms and worsening quality of life. Since its diagnosis is purely clinical, getting familiar with this disorder is essential to ensure proper focus and thus rule out other diseases commonly confused with this one. Restless legs syndrome has a multi-factorial etiology that ranges from a genetic and hereditary, which are called primary restless legs syndrome, to its association with multiple pathologies, known as secondary restless legs syndrome. As for its management, drug therapy and non-drug therapy is aimed at symptom control, as its cure is not possible, although occasionally the condition can refer to later repeat in months or years.

Restless legs syndrome is a distressing condition, with negative effects on sleep and daytime activities that affect personal, family and occupational life. The overall impact of restless legs syndrome on quality of life is comparable to that of chronic and frustrating conditions such as depression and diabetes. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment may increase patients' suffering in terms of uncertainty, overuse or misuse of care services and lack of trust. Presenting a synthesis of the main topics in the literature on restless legs syndrome facilitates for a better understanding and its management in primary care settings.