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.