Restless Leg Syndrome: Ten Ways to Reduce RLS Symptoms

Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a condition in which legs feel uncomfortable when you are sitting or lying down.The condition makes you feel extremely uncomfortable, making you fell like getting up and moving around. Getting up and moving around helps to make the unpleasant feelings in the legs go away.

Both sexes are affected by restless legs syndrome. The syndrome can begin at any age and may worsen with age. Restless legs syndrome can disrupt sleep, which leads to daytime drowsiness.

People with the syndrome usually describe the unpleasant sensations as “deep seated” crawling, jittery, burning, tingly and aching feelings int eh calves, thighs, feet or arms.

The uncomfortable sensation usually begins during periods of inactivity, such as when sitting or lying down. The sensation is relieved or lessen when the person gets up and moves, stretches, jiggles their legs, paces, exercises or walks around. The compelling desire to move around it what gives Restless Leg Syndrome its name

Twitching of the legs at nighttime interferes with sleep. Often the person with the condition is not aware that they are twitching their legs at night, but the movement may cause sleepless nights for their partner.

Often, there is no known cause for restless leg syndrome. Researchers suspect that the syndrome is due to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine sends message to control muscle movement.

Symptoms tend to become worse with stress. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may aggravate RLS symptoms. In most cases, RLS is not related to any serious underlying medical condition. However, RLS can accompany other conditions, including nerve damage due to chronic diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism, iron deficiency and kidney failure.

If you think you have RLS, consult your family doctor. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and whether you have trouble sleeping or if your restless legs bother anyone else in your family. There are no lab or blood tests to diagnose RLS. However, the doctor may order tests to determine whether the RLS is symptom of another condition.

Sometimes treatment for an underlying condition can relieve the symptoms of RLS. If there does not appear to be a medical condition causing the RLS, the doctor may prescribe medications. Several of the prescription medications used for RLS were developed to treat other diseases. Medications may include medications for Parkinson”s disease, opioids, muscles relaxants, sleep medications and medications for epilepsy.

You can make some simple lifestyle changes to help relieve the symptoms of RLS. Self care includes:

1. Take pain relievers. An over the counter pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen by help to relieve twitching and other sensations.

2. Bath and massage. Soak in a warm bath and massage your legs to relax muscles.

3. Apply warm or cool packs. Use one or the other, or alternate the two to lessen the sensations.

4. Relaxation techniques, yoga or meditation. Relax to relieve stress.

5. Establish good sleep hygiene. Fatigue can make symptoms worse. Practice habits for good sleep, such as having a comfortable environment and getting adequate sleep.

6. Exercise: Moderate, regular exercise may lessen symptoms. However, exercise too late at night , or overdoing exercise may may symptoms worse,

7. Avoid caffeine.

8. Cut back on alcohol and tobacco.

9. Stay mentally alert in the evening. Boredom or drowsiness may intensify symptoms.

10. Practice coping skills. Coping skills may include talking about it, moving around when needed, keeping a sleep diary, working standing up, stretching during the day and finding a support group.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, consult a doctor.

Reference:

• www.mayoclinic.com