Introduction
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is defined as a neurological movement disorder characterized by sensory and motor abnormalities. The condition is typically accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them for relief.
In laymen terms, the restless leg syndrome is a condition in which the legs feel extremely uncomfortable while sitting or lying down.
Also known as, the Wittmaack-Ekbom’s syndrome, the restless leg syndrome is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of painful legs. The restless leg syndrome is known to affect 12 million people in the United States.
Key Symptoms
An irresistible urge to move the legs is the most prominent symptom associated with the restless leg syndrome. Those suffering from RLS often describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging or as feelings of insects crawling inside the legs.
Also known as paresthesias (abnormal sensations) or dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations), these sensations hugely vary in severity, ranging from uncomfortable to irritating to being extremely painful.
Here we list the most common signs and symptoms associated with the restless leg syndrome:
Originates during inactivity
Relief by movement
Worsening of symptoms in the evening
Excessive leg twitching at nighttime
Difficulty in sleeping
Causative Factors
Though it can occur at any age, the restless leg syndrome is mostly known to occur in middle-aged and older adults and is worsened by stress and anxiety.
Here we list some of the main causative factors associated with the development of this disorder:
Iron deficiency
Pregnancy
Obesity
Smoking
Iron deficiency
Nerve disease
Polyneuropathy
Diabetes
Kidney failure
Caffeine, alcohol
Medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, anti-psychotic drugs)
Heredity
In general, the restless leg syndrome is also associated to vitamin and mineral deficiency, hyperthyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, toxins and the like.
Treatment Options
The main aim of a treatment plan for the restless leg syndrome is to relieve the symptoms and provide maximum comfort to the sufferer. Here we list some of the advisable forms of treatment for the patients of restless leg syndrome:
Muscle relaxation through warm baths, gentle stretching exercises, massage and similar techniques
Counseling and psychotherapy
Iron supplements
Medications such as Clonazepam, Parkinson drugs, Codeine, Oxycodone, Methadone, Propoxyphene)
Self Care
Research shows that self-care measures are often effective in the treatment of symptoms of the restless leg syndrome. Here we list some of the most important self-care measures that need to be adopted:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
Massage the calf and legs
Stretch your legs at the beginning and end of each day
Maintain a regular exercise regimen
Develop and maintain a regular sleep schedule since fatigue worsens the problem
