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[R273]Restless Legs Syndrome Causes

by Scott Fromherz, Sco

RLS is an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that appears at rest or at bedtime. The sensation is notoriously difficult to describe, but some refer to it as a ?creepy-crawly? feeling. RLS has many names and has been variously referred to as ?Jimmy legs,? the ?heebie jeebies,? and ?Elvis legs.? It creates an irresistible urge to move the legs. When the legs are moved, this sensation is temporarily relieved. RLS is a problem because it prevents people from falling asleep and the uncomfortable sensation can cause a great deal of distress.

Who Gets Restless Legs Syndrome?

Anyone can have it at any age. Once it starts, it usually becomes progressively worse with age. It is estimated to occur in up to 1 in 10 adults in the United States. In some people it is inherited and in some it occurs spontaneously. Nobody knows why it occurs but it is believed to be due to a problem with the neurotransmitter dopamine in the nervous system. Since iron is involved in the production of dopamine, some people with low iron have RLS. Up to 80% of people with RLS also have a separate but related disorder call Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (leg kicking that usually occurs after the person has fallen asleep).

I Think I Might Have RLS, How Do I Find Out If I Have It?

Make an appointment with your primary care physician, or if your insurance allows it, go straight to a sleep specialist. If your physician thinks you might have RLS, he or she should check the ferritin levels in your blood (ferritin is a sensitive indicator of blood iron levels). Then you can be treated with various medications and have an iron deficiency corrected if needed.

How Is RLS Treated?

In a small number of patients, correcting iron levels can help with RLS. Behavioral methods like hot baths and relaxation methods may also be effective. Many patients require a medication. The FDA recently approved a medication called Requip? which has been clinically proven to help relieve the symptoms of RLS. Many other classes of medications can also be helpful including benzodiazepines, other Parkinsons Disease medications, seizure medications, and narcotics. Ask your doctor about what option is right for you.

If you have lost countless hours of sleep due to restlessness in your legs, causing stress in your daily life and relationship, if the constant movements that only briefly stop the agony in your legs have become all of your bedroom activities, and if you're finally ready to reclaim tranquility in your legs and life, well then keep reading!

Restless Legs are a neurological disorder described as a result of unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when trying to rest and relax in an effort to relieve these feelings. The sensations are often described by people as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. This often is called paresthesis known as abnormal sensations or dysesthesias known as unpleasant abnormal sensations these sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

The most common or unusual feature of the condition is that lying down and trying to relax sets off the symptoms. Most people have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. The condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Many people with this condition say that their job, personal relations, and activities of daily living are strongly affected as a result of their exhaustion. Their often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks. They may have difficulty lying down and sleeping, or sitting down and relaxing, because their legs just won't let them. Air travel and long car trips are a trial. Evan enjoying a television show may be more than they can manage. Restless Legs Syndrome can have a significant physical and emotional crash on people who suffer with this problem.

Moving your legs will usually make your legs feel better, but that's only for a short time. This problem usually happens at night when you're trying to relax and get a good night sleep. After you fall asleep, your legs might start to begin, jerk, or move. These movements are called periodic limb movements. They can wake you from sleep, which adds to you being overtired. This condition has been proven to affect as many as 12 million Americans. This occurs in both men and women, although the incidence might be a little higher in women. The condition can start at any age, even as early as infancy, most people in there middle age or older seem to be severely affected.

People who have low levels of iron or anemia may be prone to developing restless legs. Women, who are pregnant, especially in their last trimester, experience this condition. Also chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy are associated with this also. It's said that homeopathic remedies trigger the body's ability to heal its self by stimulating specific reaction in the body against the symptoms. The body naturally reacts against attempts to make it behave differently.

A homeopathic and oligotherapeutic restless legs formula guaranteed to help your legs stay relaxed is, trying Restulex. It's intended to support the health of your leg muscles with natural nutrition and the healing power of water. This helps get rid of that feel that you must always move your legs.

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Both Scott Fromherz & Steven A Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Scott Fromherz has sinced written about articles on various topics from Celebrities, Education Toys and Distance Learning. Dr. Scott Fromherz owns and operates Westside Sleep Center, the number one sleep center in Portland, Oregon. If you're looking for a sleep doctor in Portland, Tigard, Beaverton, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, West Linn, or Sherwood go to. Scott Fromherz's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Steven A Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Hoodia, Fibromyalgia and Osteoporosis. Steven Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital and healthy lifestyle. For more information on various health products and other life-enhancing nutrients please visit his website. Steven A Johnson's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.