Restless Legs
What is it?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder in which a person has a
frequent urge to stretch or move the legs to ease pain or
discomfort. Many sufferers of the disorder claim to feel creepy,
crawling sensations in their legs. Symptoms may flare up during
extended sitting, as on a plane or in a car, and in particular when
lying down or at night. The associated movements may interrupt sleep
repeatedly. Up to 15 percent of the population may be affected by
restless legs syndrome, day or night or both.
What are the causes?
The cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown, but a hereditary
link is established with the primary type. A deficiency in the brain
neurotransmitter dopamine is theorized. Caffeine consumption and
certain medications may be instigating factors in RLS. A secondary
type of RLS is related to an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Anemia with low levels of iron
in the blood Kidney disease
- Vitamin or mineral
deficiencies
- Nervous conditions like
Parkinson's disease
- Muscle disorders
- Pregnancy (often during the
last trimester)
What are the signs and symptoms?
An individual with restless legs syndrome may have uncontrollable
urges to move body parts or a vague pain in the legs ranging from a
shooting pain in the calves to an uncomfortable feeling of constant
pressure. Other feelings can be burning, itching, aching, tingling
and cramping.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of restless legs syndrome is a clinical decision by a
physician. A positive family history is common but not essential to
make the diagnosis.
Normally, a physical and neurological examination will be done to
identify other conditions that may be associated with RLS. A
polysomnogram (sleep study) at Sleepcare Diagnostics may be
suggested to determine if other sleep problems are present.
How is it treated?
Because the direct cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown, only
the symptoms of the disorder can be treated. Symptoms in the wake
state can be temporarily relieved by stretching, moving or massaging
the legs, but physicians can prescribe several types of medications
to relieve the urge during the day or to minimize disturbing
movement during sleep.
The goal of treatment is to ensure that the involuntary movements do
not interrupt sleep patterns and to ease the leg pain during rest
and relaxation.
There are some things an individual with restless legs syndrome can
do to help cope with the disease:
- Repetitive leg exercise right
before bed
- Engaging the brain in
activities to take the focus away from the urges and the pain
- A hot bath at bedtime
- Avoiding caffeine or alcohol
close to bed
- Avoiding medicines know to
enhance the RLS
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