Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition wherein the sufferer feels the consistent need to move his legs when sitting or lying down. The legs often feel uncomfortable and, once satisfying the desire to move, the uncomfortable feeling goes away. Restless leg syndrome can occur in any person of any age at any time. RLS is not dangerous, but it is certainly disrupting, often leading to insomnia. Treatment involves treating the underlying cause, if any, and a number of lifestyle changes or medications.
Causes and Symptoms
If not caused by an underlying condition, the cause of restless leg syndrome is a mystery. Researchers at MayoClinic.com suggest that a dopamine imbalance in the brain may be the culprit, as it serves as a messenger, sending signals and messages that control movement of the muscles. Other possible causes include heredity, stress and pregnancy.
Conditions known to have restless leg syndrome as an associated symptom include peripheral neuropathy, (damage to nerves in hands and feet), iron deficiency (sometimes a sign of anemia) and kidney failure. Treating these or any other condition should help treat restless leg syndrome as well.
Symptoms of restless leg syndrome include abnormal and irritating sensations in the legs, including, but not limited to, burning, aching and tingling. Additionally, the legs may feel jittery, with associated feelings of "creepy crawliness." The symptoms are typically worse in the evening, and possess the tendency to fluctuate over time.
Lifestyle Changes
Relieving RLS can be as simple as making seemingly insignificant lifestyle changes. A combination of light exercise and techniques designed to clear the mind, such as yoga, can be especially helpful. Be careful to avoid strenuous exercise, however, as the fatigue associated with it can actually exacerbate the symptoms. Avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine and tobacco, while decreasing your alcohol intake may help; however, eliminate or wean yourself off them one at a time to get a clear idea of what might be causing the condition. Finally, taking a warm bath before bedtime and sleeping in an environment conducive to good sleep (cool, quiet and dark), is highly recommended.
Medication
A number of medications exist for other conditions that can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS. Certain medications for Parkinson's disease, such as pramipexole and ropinirole (the only FDA-approved drugs for RLS), work by targeting the amount of dopamine in the brain and thus reducing leg motion. Narcotics, such as codeine and a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, may provide some relief for mild to severe symptoms, although these include the added risk of addiction. Sedatives such as clonazepam, zaleplon and zolpidem, among others, can be used to help you sleep. This is the limit of their effectiveness, however, as they do not affect the symptoms of RLS. Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin and carbamazepine, can help with daytime symptoms that are severe and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may aid in the alleviation of symptoms such as twitching or burning (see link in Reference 3).
As always, consult a doctor before beginning a medication regiment. Proper diagnosis of the underlying cause, if any, is dependent on the course of treatment prescribed or recommended.
Tags: lifestyle changes, restless syndrome, Restless syndrome, restless syndrome, underlying cause