A number of recent TV commercials and news stories have clearly shown the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome (generally known as simply RLS) to all of us. Although of course those who have suffered from this disorder for years know only too well the way RLS can disrupt everyday life. As information about RLS becomes more widely known people may well discover the cause of their mysterious symptoms and start to ask questions when they see their doctor. Possible more importantly they will come to see their symptoms as real and they are far from alone.
The easiest description of how RLS affects an individual is to say that it is a condition in which you find that you simply cannot relax. When an individual either sits or lays down at night their legs start to feel like pins and needles are sticking them or suffer a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to constantly move, making it nearly impossible to sleep. This alone explains why one of the chief results of RLS is insomnia.
As research data has become available it has become evident that many of those with RLS also have family members with this disorder and that there is therefore almost certainly a genetic element to the disorder. The genetic element is important when diagnosing children because they commonly do not vocalize their pain or discomfort in the same way as adults and the disorder is frequently misdiagnosed, as muscle cramps, stress, arthritis and insomnia and attention is often focused on the child's irritability, inattentiveness and restlessness as what is said to be simply growing pains.
Also, pregnant women will at times find themselves with the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms of the condition coming during their final trimester. However, because of their pregnancy, medication is not recommended except during the last two or three months when the effects on their baby are going to be minimal.
Diagnosis should be the principle concern for anyone with RLS because it is after diagnosis that treatment can become the focus and relief begins.
Treatment for RLS varies widely from one person to the next and depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Medication is commonly used for more severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being the two most well known used medicines. For people who do not like to take medication there are alternative methods such as acupuncture and a range of homeopathic remedies. Also, lifestyle changes such as using hot and cold packs, exercise and relaxation are also used to provide symptomatic relief.
Although it might feel normal to look for the best relief for your symptoms on your own you should check with your doctor first because RLS can sometimes be a secondary condition and result from another condition or disorder as, for example, when it appears during pregnancy. Making use of your own plan might well lead to further problems and thus not bring about the relief you are seeking.
Because each person is unique individual so too are the symptoms we experience and an understanding of this fact is vital when it comes to treating a condition like RLS. It is only with sound knowledge of this condition that appropriate treatment can begin and the leg pain of RLS will be a thing of the past.
Restless Leg Syndrome is an all too common neurologic movement disorder that is somewhat treatable and often under diagnosed and can ruin many nights sleep. This medical problem is defined by extremely uncomfortable feelings and sensations in the legs, especially when resting or sleeping, resulting in the necessity to move the legs. This need to keep re-positioning the legs results in sleep interference, insomnia and difficulty resting or even sitting at a computer or watching television. This problem can result in insomnia or loss of sleep, serious stress, the inability to take a good rest and general discomfort and lessening of quality of life.
It has been estimated that as many as up to 15% of the population has this problem. RLS frequency generally increases with age but may also occur in children. People with severe RLS had problems prior to twenty years of age.
Someone who has this medical problem generally will have symptoms in their legs, although arms and other places can be affected. Generally the problems are worse in the night, when trying to rest. The degree of problems range from light to severe.
Restless Leg Syndrome has been described as feeling like the skin is creeping or crawling, burning or itching legs, aching, restless legs that can not get comfortable and just plain painful legs.
Generally, RLS is caused by a central nervous system disorder. This disorder often runs in families which suggests a genetic cause. Symptoms can be aggravated by stress and psychiatric problems and of course the loss of sleep that this problem causes can increase stress and psychological problems.
Possible secondary causes of this medical problem are iron deficiency, neurological lesions, end stage kidney failure, certain drugs and pregnancy.
Decreased iron stores in a patient can help cause or worsen RLS. Generally, a person should have serum ferritin levels above 50 mcg/L. Reading below this can cause or worsen conditions.
Neurological lesions associated with the spinal cord and peripheral nerve lesions have been known to cause this problem, as well as people with vertebral disc disease.
Up to 19% of pregnant women can exhibit this medical condition of the legs but it usually disappears within several weeks postpartum.
Up to 50% of end stage kidney failure or dialysis patients can experience this leg problem. Additionally, kidney transplant patients may also experience these symptoms.
Certain drugs such as caffeine, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, dopamine antagonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can worsen this leg problem.
Restless Leg Syndrome can be treated with drugs but there is no silver bullet. No medication works well with all patients so each sufferer has to be individually treated.
Dopaminergic agents are usually the first line of treatment for many cases. Pregnant women may not be administered any drugs, depending upon the physician. Other drugs that may or may not be used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome are Dopaminergic Agents such as carbidopa-levodopa for a one time use or as need requires.
Dopamine agonists such as Pergolide, Pramipexole and Ropiniole, may be used in moderate to severe cases.
Opioids such as Codeine, Tramadol, Propoxyphene, Oxycodone and Hydrocodone may be prescribed. These are often used occasionally.
Benzodiazepines such as Temazepam and Clonazepam can be helpful when certain other medications cannot be tolerated.
Anticonvulsants such as Carbamazepine and Gabapentin can be used when dopamine agonists have failed. Iron or ferrous sulfate can be used in iron deficient patients. Finally, Clonidine may be used with patients with high blood pressure.
In general, most patients with Restless Leg Syndrome can be effectively treated by the primary care physician. If insomnia still results after treatment, a referral to a movement disorders specialist or sleep specialist may be in order.
Both Donald Saunders & Mitch Endick 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.
Donald Saunders has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health Insurance, Forex Training and Diabetes Treatment. If you are experiencing painful legs when trying to sleep then you could be suffering from and so now might be a very good ti. Donald Saunders's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.
Mitch Endick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Puppies Dogs and Education. Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular web site AbeFeller.com.