Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which the sufferer experiences discomfort in the legs and describes it as a tingling, paresthesia, burning, pain, stretching sensation, or movement of insects on the skin, so the patient has to shake or stretch his leg to reduce this sensation.
This sensation usually occurs when the patient is lying down, or sitting for a long time. A person who suffers from this condition inevitably moves his foot. Moving the legs, walking, rubbing and massaging the legs, or bending the knees temporarily reduces the symptoms to some extent, and inactivity and rest aggravate the symptoms.
These patients usually have trouble falling asleep and usually experience the best sleep at the end of the night and in the morning. Because these people have not experienced enough sleep, they may be drowsy during the day.
Although the causes of this disease are not known, the role of the following factors has been proven:
- In some families, this condition is more inherited.
- It is more common in pregnancy, especially in the last months. The patient’s problem usually resolves after delivery.
- Anemia and low blood iron levels.
- Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and peripheral neuropathies (diseases of the nervous system).
- Consumption of coffee and caffeinated compounds.
- Older people are more susceptible to this disease.
- Discontinue opioid use (if dependent).
Diagnosis of the disease is based on history, examinations, and Para clinics prescribed by a physician. It may be requires nerve and muscle testing (EMG-NCV) to rule out other causes.
Treatment
Sometimes other related illnesses, such as iron deficiency or peripheral neuropathy, need to be treated to improve Restless Legs Syndrome. Iron deficiency could be treated by the administration of iron supplements. However, be careful that in order to receive iron, you must first check the level of iron in your blood and take the medicine prescribed by your doctor.
If Restless Legs Syndrome is not related to any other illness, you should focus on lifestyle changes or medication to treat it. Medication is allowed only with a doctor’s prescription and is not possible without consulting a doctor.
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Prepared by the Rehabex team.
