Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is basically characterized by unpleasant sensations in the leg when at rest. It is a neurological condition and as an effort to relieve this feeling there is a constant uncontrollable urge to move when the legs are at rest, especially while sitting or lying down. These unpleasant sensations often range in severity from irritating to uncomfortable to painful.
Common Signs and Symptoms of RLS Include: Unpleasant sensations like aching, burning, tingling, creeping, crawling, deep seated and jittery feelings generally in the thighs, calves, feet and even arms. These symptoms generally start during periods of inactivity like sitting or lying down for extended time periods for example in a movie theater, flight or even car. There is typically a compelling desire to move which is often relieved temporarily by moments like walking, stretching, exercising or even jiggling your legs.
RLS symptoms are usually more bothersome at night than during the daytime.
Another neurological condition which is common in older adults called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) may be associated with RLS. PLMS causes you to extend and flex your leg involuntarily while sleeping.
Numerous kicking and twitching movements can occur in sleep which won’t disrupt the sleep generally. However if you also have RLS then this kicking and twitching can occur while you are awake and may even interrupt your sleep. Most people with RLS have difficulties staying asleep; this insomnia can lead to daytime drowsiness episodes. Many people with RLS develop PLMS but most people with PLMS do not necessarily develop RLS.
Cause of RLS: In many cases the etiology of RLS is idiopathic or unknown. However some research suspects that this condition can rise from an imbalance of dopamine, a brain chemical. Certain factors that can cause RLS include – heredity, hormonal changes or pregnancy and stress. RLS can accompany many other physical conditions like iron deficiency, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure.
Treatment of RLS: Treating the underlying condition like peripheral neuropathy or iron deficiency often helps to relieve the symptoms of RLS. If your RLS is not associated with any such condition then certain medications and lifestyle changes can greatly help. Try the following lifestyle modification:
- Soak your legs in warm water and massage them to relax the muscles.
- Apply cool or warm packs alternatively to help alleviate the symptoms.
- Stress can worsen symptoms of RLS; try some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation especially in the evening or night.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco as far as possible as these substances can trigger the symptoms of RLS.
- Stay mentally alert especially in the evenings as drowsiness and boredom at that time can worsen RLS.
- Maintain good sleep hygiene which includes sleeping in a clean and comfortable environment, sleeping daily at same time and rising at same time.
- Moderate exercise can relieve symptoms of RLS; however working out intensely at a gym especially late at night can intensify these symptoms.
RLS is generally a lifelong syndrome (although its symptoms may disappear for a while they will eventually reappear with time) so learning to cope with it and building strategies that work for you can help to a great extent.
