The most common reason for her problem is called Restless Leg Syndrome. It is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs and an urge to move them for relief. Some things that help are reducing caffeine, alcohol and tobacco and checking for low levels of iron, folate and magnesium. Some people are helped by taking a hot bath, messaging the legs or using a heating pad. In 2005, ropinirole became the only drug approved for this condition if it is moderate to severe. Talk with your mom's doctor about getting a referral to a neurologist or other doctor who might be able to help.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD