Restless Leg Syndrome - Tips To Understand, Diagnose, And Treat It

The percentage of American adults who suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome, commonly known as RLS, has exceeded 15 percent. Women and older people are more affected than men. People suffering from diabetes, varicose veins, and arthritis stand a greater risk of developing this disorder. According to researchers, Restless Leg Syndrome is the result of a disorder in the brain pathways that control sensations and movement reflexes. Sometimes, this disorder could be due to hereditory reasons. 1. Symptoms People suffering from RLS have an urge to move their knees or other parts of their lower leg and, sometimes, the arms. The desire to move the muscles of the lower leg is sometimes accompanied by pain. People suffereing from RLS relate a variety of experiences. While some say they feel a pulling, tingling, or itching sensation, others say that they feel a burning or pricking sensation. Some claim that they feel as if worms are crawling beneath their skin. The typical symptoms of RLS can manifest at any time. If they appear at night, the person will be unable to sleep. These symptoms distract a person by making them leave their bed and then go back to it several times, movements which, in turn, disrupt or delay sleep. The patients feel more sleepy at daytime because their usual night sleep is frequently disturbed. People suffering from RLS are often depressed. Due to lack of sleep, they feel very tired, and their symptoms might force them to make major lifestyle changes. For instance, people with RLS usually avoid taking long trips, watching a concert or a movie, eating out, or attending long meetings due to the pain and discomfort that such activities cause. 2. Diagnosis Diagnosing Restless Leg Syndrome with a single examination is not possible. In most cases, standard neurological examinations do not reveal any abnormalities. A medical doctor usually suspects Restless Leg Syndrome on the basis of a patients description of symptoms. Medical doctors also consider the the results of certain medical tests such as blood tests and medical examinations and also the patient's genetic history. 3. Treating RLS To treat RLS effectively, you should learn to control the sensations that cause lack of sleep. Since this disorder is associated with anemia, medical practitioners prescribe iron supplements. Healthy changes in diet, reducing or bringing to a complete stop the intake of alcohol and caffeine, and practising techniques of relaxation can greatly benefit a person suffering from RLS. Usually, drugs are prescribed to control and manage this disorder. These drugs are dopamine agents, opioids or anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines. While drugs cannot cure this disorder, they can definitely control the symptoms of it. People suffering from RLS usually depend on medication throughout their lives.

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