Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

A condition that causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs is known as Restless Legs Syndrome. The symptoms of this condition usually worsen when you are sitting or lying down. Getting up and moving around is usually the only way to find relief from this condition. Often, RLS occurs while a person is sleeping. The person is forced to wake up and then get out of bed and move around. This disruption of sleep is why RLS is commonly referred to as a sleeping disorder.

The most common symptom of this condition is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs, and even the arms. The feeling is easily distinguishable from cramps and muscle pain, but many find the sensation hard to describe. Most describe it as a prickly, tingling or burning sensation, but some have reported feeling as if there were bugs crawling under their skin. The inactivity of sleep is why this condition is more common at night. These episodes may repeat themselves several times during the night, and they vary in duration and intensity.

Another common symptom of RLS is Periodic Limb Movement in Sleep (PLMS), and will show up as involuntary leg flexing and extending. Because it happens while at sleep, it is often not even noticed by the sufferer. This condition can cause disruption to your sleep cycle, as well as disturbing those who you are sleeping with.

Dopamine, which is a chemical responsible for muscle movement is thought to be associated with RLS. 50% of RLS patients report having a family history of the condition. Symptoms can be aggravated by other factors, such as stress and pregnancy as well. Other factors that contribute to this condition include iron deficiency and damages nerves in the hands due to alcoholism and diabetes.

There are many reasons why RLS is so hard to diagnose. Other conditions, such as stress, muscle cramps and nerves may actually be causing the condition. Also, many people who are experiencing the symptoms do not seek treatment. it is possible to diagnose by answering several sleep related questions. Keeping a record of these feelings and how they relate to sleep can be helpful. Having your sleep patterns monitored at a sleep center can also narrow down the possible causes.

RLS can often be treated by various types of movement, such as exercise, stretching, and walking. It may, however, be necessary to treat some other underlying condition if one is present. Treating the condition that causes it will often take care of the RLS as well.

Other forms of treatment include medications and making certain lifestyle changes. Common medicinal treatments include muscle relaxants, drugs used for Parkinson's Disease and epilepsy, antidepressants, and opiods. These drugs are actually designed to treat some condition other than the RLS, so the results may be less that successful at times.

There are many other treatment options that do not require a prescription, including over-the-counter pain relievers, hot and cold packs, yoga and exercise. Changes to your sleep routine can also prove successful.

         

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