What Can You Do for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

What is restless leg syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a status in which a person feels an irresistible compulsion to move, and involves uncomfortable sensations in the arms and legs while he or she is sitting still or lying down. This discomfort often occurs when the person is trying to sleep and is unremarkably relieved by moving the legs. Ofttimes, the discomfort is characterized every bit an "urge" to move the legs.

What are the symptoms ?

The chief symptom of RLS is unpleasant sensations in the legs, which take been described as creeping, itch, burning, or tingling feelings. These sensations typically get worse when the person is sitting or lying down, particularly at bedtime. They tin can prevent or interrupt sleep, leading to insomnia. Symptoms usually ameliorate when the person stands up or moves his or her legs. Almost people with RLS also accept a condition chosen periodic limb disorder, which causes their arms and legs to involuntarily twitch or kick during sleep.

What are the causes ?

At that place is no known cause for RLS, although some researchers believe it may involve an imbalance in encephalon chemicals.

Who is likely to develop restless leg syndrome?

Certain factors announced to increase the take chances of developing RLS, such as:

• Heredity (RLS appears to run in families)
• Age (RLS occurs more oftentimes in middle-anile and older adults)
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Discontinuing sedatives (particularly benzodiazepines such as Valium)
• Using stimulants (including caffeine)
• Other conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, atomic number 26 deficiency, liver disorders, and kidney failure

How is restless leg syndrome diagnosed?

There is no specific test for RLS. Physicians more often than not diagnose the condition based on the person's symptoms and medical history.

What is the conventional treatment for restless leg syndrome?

Treating underlying conditions, such as iron deficiency, may assistance clear up RLS in some people. Otherwise, conventional physicians may first recommend lifestyle approaches for RLS. These include:

• Warm baths and massages
• Hot and common cold packs
• Stress direction
• Avoiding caffeine
• Moderate, regular exercise

In some cases, conventional physicians may prescribe medication to aid ease RLS, such equally:

• Muscle relaxants and sleep medications (Klonopin, Lunesta, Ambien)
• Drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease (Mirapex, Requip)
• Opioids (Percocet, Vicodin)
• Drugs used to treat epilepsy (Neurotin)

All of these medications tin have side furnishings. Opioids, muscle relaxants and slumber medications can exist addicting.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for restless leg syndrome?

Every bit with many conditions that have nonspecific, non-measurable, and variable symptoms, some clinicians accept expressed uncertainty that RLS is a true, clinical syndrome. They point out that restlessness of the legs can have a variety of simple physical and psychological contributors, and pharmaceutical manufacturers have irresponsibly promoted the idea that whatever sensations of restlessness in the legs usually indicate a affliction state.

Dr. Weil sees some merit in this skepticism, and emphasizes that the drugs listed to a higher place – many of which have serious side effects – should be employed only equally a last resort. In the meantime, these measures may bring relief:

• If y'all fume, end. Smoking may impair blood menses to leg muscles.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which can make symptoms worse.
• Accept a calcium/magnesium supplement at bedtime. Effort 500 mg of calcium citrate and 250 to 500 mg of magnesium to calm nerves and muscles.
• Practise, stretch or massage your legs (this can help when symptoms are mild).
• Take a hot bath to relax your legs.
• Consider mind body therapies, such equally clinical hypnosis and guided imagery, which can help address underlying anxiety.

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Source: https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-joint/restless-leg-syndrome-rls/

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