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RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME (RLS)

Men's Health, Uncategorized, Women's Health / By

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME (RLS)

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation that causes a strong uncontrollable urge to move one’s leg.

  • Also known as Willis-Ekbom syndrome, restless leg syndrome usually occurs when a person is resting, sitting, or sleeping often at night-time.
  • Restless leg syndrome disrupts sleep and thus can cause problems with your job, social life, and normal daily activities.
  • Moving relieves the unpleasant feeling temporarily
  • The disorder may be classified as mild or severe, depending on how frequent it occurs, its severity, how well the symptoms can be eased by moving around, and how much disturbance they cause.
  • The disorder may be categorized as either primary or secondary
  • Primary RLS has no known cause and usually begun slowly. It has an onset before age 40-45 and it is progressive as it worsens with age and may have a genetic cause.
  • Secondary RLS is most associated with specific medical conditions or the use of certain drugs. It has a sudden onset after age 40.

CAUSES

Researchers suggest that the condition may be caused by an imbalance of dopamine, the brain chemical which sends message to control muscle movement.

Genetics, account for about 60% of cases

It can worsen during pregnancy

Diseases that can trigger secondary RLS includes:

  • Diabetes
  • Magnesium deficiency
  • iron deficiency, account for about 20% of cases
  • kidney failure
  • thyroid disease
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • celiac disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Peripheral neuropathy

Certain medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressant, or certain antihistamine can cause RLS or worsen its symptoms.

Periodic limb movement disorder can also lead to RLS.

SYMPTOMS

A sensation that begins or intensify during rest or quiet wakefulness such as when relaxing, studying, reading, or trying to sleep. Sensation ranges from:

  • Pain or an aching in the muscle
  • An itch that can’t be scratched
  • A buzzing sensation
  • An unpleasant tickle
  • Tingling
  • A crawling feeling
  • Burning
  • Pulling
  • Similar to an electric shock

Worsening of symptoms at night

Symptoms that eases with movement such as stretching, pacing or walking

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The doctor will review your medical history and ask for a description of symptoms. The following criteria established by the International Restless Leg Syndrome study group are the basis of diagnosis.

  • A strong urge to move the leg, usually associated with uncontrolled and uncomfortable sensation typically described as crawling, creeping, cramping, pulling, or tingling.
  • Symptoms that start or worsen during inactivity or rest such as lying down or sitting
  • Symptoms that are partially or temporarily relieved by activity such as walking or stretching
  • Symptoms that worsen in the evening or night
  • Symptoms that can’t be explained by another medical or behavioral condition

The doctor can check your blood test to rule out iron deficiency and possible causes of symptoms

TREATMENT

Treating an underlying condition such as iron deficiency may ease symptoms associated with RLS. This may include receiving an iron deficiency supplement either orally or intravenously.

If RLS is not associated with any other condition, lifestyle changes may be the focus of treatment. These may include:

  • Exercising
  • Yoga and stretching
  • Massages and warm bath

Several medications are available to reduce restlessness in the leg.

  • Dopaminergic drugs, medications that increase dopamine in the brain. Ropinirole (Requip), pramipexole (Mirapex) are some such drugs approved by the FDA
  • Muscle relaxant and sleep medications known as benzodiazepines
  • Opioids can relieve mild to severe symptom. Codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone) are some examples of opioid.
  • Painkillers may help mild symptoms