Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that often causes unpleasant sensations in the legs. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 10% of Americans suffer from disrupted sleep due to restless leg syndrome.
The best vein & vascular Weston, FL specialists offer comprehensive evaluation and customized treatments to help you find relief from restless legs syndrome.
An insight into restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom disease, is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to uncomfortable sensations in the legs. This may develop at any age and happens typically in the evening or nighttime while sitting or lying down.
RLS can significantly disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities.
Causes and risk factors of restless leg syndrome
Often, there is no known cause for RLS. However, it is believed RLS runs in the family since it is a hereditary condition.
Possible risk factors include:
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- Kidney disease
- Spinal cord lesions
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Sleep disorders
- Alcoholism
- Tobacco use
- Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome
The chief symptom of RLS is an urge to move the legs. Common associated features include:
- Sensations typically begin during resting or while lying down. These sensations can feel like:
- Itching
- Aching
- Pulling
- Crawling
- Throbbing
- The sensations lessen with movements like stretching or walking
- Symptoms may worsen at night, disrupting your sleep. This can lead to daytime drowsiness and chronic exhaustion.
Restless leg syndrome management
Your doctor will record your medical history initially and discuss the symptoms. A physical and neurological examination will be conducted, followed by a blood test to check for iron deficiency.
Based on the diagnosis and the cause behind RLS, your doctor will design an appropriate treatment plan for you.
This may include the following:
Home remedies
- Dietary changes
- Regular exercise
- Massaging your leg muscles at night
- Soaking your legs in a hot bath before bed
- Using a heating pad or ice pack to relieve pain
- Reducing the intake of caffeine and alcohol
- Setting up a regular sleep schedule
- Taking a warm bath before bed
- Relaxing strategies like yoga
Conservative approach
- Supplements to manage iron deficiency
- Medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Dopamine
- Opioids
- Sleep medications
Conclusion
Restless leg syndrome is distressing since it negatively impacts your quality of sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and drowsiness.
While there is no cure for RLS currently, you can manage the condition under the supervision of a healthcare professional. This paves the way for a healthy, active life to keep the condition under control.
