Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which legs feel uncomfortable or painful when they are at rest.http://www.medicinenet.com/restless_leg_syndrome/article.htm The sensations of RLS can include feelings of stretching, pulling, throbbing, and creeping and often occur at night.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm This discomfort generally causes sufferers to feel the need to move their legs in order to experience relief.http://www.rls.org/Page.aspx?pid=543 This urge to move can feel almost impossible to resist for the RLS sufferer. http://www.rls.org/Page.aspx?pid=543

The onset of restless leg syndrome can occur at any age, but the disorder is most commonly diagnosed during middle age.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191 http://www.rls.org/Page.aspx?pid=543 It is believed that up to 10% of people in the United States suffer from RLS.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm Restless leg syndrome often causes insomnia and is considered a sleep disorder.http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/restless-legs-syndrome-rls

There is no known cause for RLS in most cases, but researchers believe it to be connected to an imbalance of dopamine in the brain, which sends messages to control muscle movement. However, certain factors such as heredity and pregnancy can worsen the symptoms of RLS and may have a causal relationship with the syndrome, though pregnancy related RLS is usually temporary.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=causes

RLS can also accompany certain conditions. RLS is sometimes seen in those suffering from the nerve damage of peripheral neuropathy. It can also be exacerbated by iron deficiency anemia and kidney failure.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=causes Medications, like those for nausea, depression, and other mental illness, can also bring on RLS symptoms.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

If RLS is related to an underlying condition, such as in the case of iron deficiency, treating the condition can sometimes result in relief from RLS symptoms. In other cases, certain medications, such as those used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease can provide relief. Other medication options include narcotics, seizure medications, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants. As with all medications, some may produce dependency, and some may need to be changed if the body becomes too tolerant of them.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Lifestyle changes can also relieve symptoms of RLS. Avoiding substances like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can be helpful. Getting an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals can also help. Regular sleep and moderate exercise might also help relieve symptoms. Hot baths, hot packs, ice packs, and massage can also bring a measure of relief to sufferers.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.