Rest Less Leg Syndrome
Overview
Restless Leg Syndrome is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to sensations that are uncomfortable. Sitting or lying down during the evening or nighttime usually causes it. Temporarily moving eases the unpleasant feeling.
Symptoms
- Leg movement is the most common symptom. RLS is characterized as:
- Sensations that begin during resting: They usually begin after you’ve been lying down or sitting for a long period of time.
- Relief with movement: The sensation of RLS lessens with movement,
- Worsening of symptoms in the evening.
- Leg twitching at night: Periodic limb movements of sleep may be associated with RLS.
Risk factors
Even children can develop RLS: Women are more likely than men to suffer from the condition as they age.
- It is usually not caused by a serious medical condition: Some conditions however can accompany it, such as:
- Peripheral neuropathy: Chronic diseases such as diabetes and alcohol addiction can damage the nerves in the hands and feet.
- Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can worsen RLS
- Kidney failure: Patients with kidney disease often suffer from RLS.
- Spinal cord conditions: Damage or injury to the spinal cord has been linked to RLS.
- Parkinson’s disease: RLS is more likely to develop in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnosis
There’s no medical test for RLS. Your restless leg syndrome doctor may want to speak to your sleep partner about their observations.
Diagnosis of RLS includes:
- Feelings that cause you to move your legs excessively.
- Restless urges that start or get worsen while you’re asleep
- When you move, an urge goes away, either partially or completely
- Evening urges that start or worsen in the evening
- Leg cramps, arthritis, or muscle pains aren’t causing it.
To rule out other conditions, your restless leg syndrome doctor may order lab tests. Nerve damage or blood vessel problems can be detected by a neurological exam.
They can determine if you have other sleep disorders that might cause RLS through a sleep study called polysomnography.
Treatment
Symptoms of RLS will be treated based on the type of treatment you receive. A regular exercise regime, following a sleep schedule, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco and some restless leg syndrome medications can help with restless leg syndrome treatment if you suffer from mild or moderate RLS.
Other ways to treat RLS without drugs include:
Leg massage
Hot bath
Use heating pads or ice packs on the legs
Relaxis vibrating pad
Some restless leg syndrome medications recommended by specialists may help some people.
Diagnosis
There’s no medical test for RLS. Your restless leg syndrome doctor may want to speak to your sleep partner about their observations.
Diagnosis of RLS includes:
- Feelings that cause you to move your legs excessively.
- Restless urges that start or get worsen while you’re asleep
- When you move, an urge goes away, either partially or completely
- Evening urges that start or worsen in the evening
- Leg cramps, arthritis, or muscle pains aren’t causing it.
To rule out other conditions, your restless leg syndrome doctor may order lab tests. Nerve damage or blood vessel problems can be detected by a neurological exam.
They can determine if you have other sleep disorders that might cause RLS through a sleep study called polysomnography.
