Restless leg syndrome is a health condition where the legs feel chronically uncomfortable when you are seated or lying down. The feeling of restless leg syndrome makes people want to get up and move around which can temporarily relieve the symptoms of RLS but does not cure it. Anyone can begin to experience the effects of restless leg syndrome but women are more susceptible to the condition, especially as they age.
Patients that experience symptoms of restless leg syndrome report they get sensations in their legs, thighs, feet, and even their arms which feel like a tingling or cramping. People report a feeling of tugging or feeling tension in the legs which can be chronic and painful.
One of the biggest side effects of restless leg syndrome is the disruption and loss of sleep. Being awakened by restless-feeling legs and having to get up to move around means that you are not getting the proper amount or quality of sleep. These sensations prompt people to get up and keep moving just to make the symptoms subside.
It is important for people experiencing the feelings of restless leg syndrome to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Oftentimes even the medical community has a hard time attributing symptoms to RLS which can be caused by genetics, pregnancy, and other medical conditions including iron deficiency.
Medication treatment may be necessary to control the feelings in the legs. Doctors often use opiates or medications that treat Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy. Muscle relaxers and sleep-aid medications are also used by doctors to help promote uninterrupted sleep. The medications may not be long-term cure for RLS but can help to control the plaguing problems of restless leg syndrome.
Doctors may also recommend changes to lifestyles including the practice of relaxation techniques, better sleep habits, and regular exercise and massages to relieve tension in the entire body including the legs. It is also recommended that RLS sufferers avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco which can also be disruptive to sleep.
