Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition that causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs. These feelings intensify when lying down or when sitting. The only way an affected individual can make these uncomfortable feelings go away is by getting up and moving around. When the feelings occur during sleep, which is common, the person must first awaken and then move. Restless legs syndrome is considered a sleeping disorder because of the constant disruption of sleep.

An uncomfortable feeling in the legs and arms is the most common symptom. These feelings can be difficult to describe, but sufferers know the feelings aren't cramps or pain in the muscles. RLS causes a tingling, prickling or burning sensation. Some claim their legs feel as if tiny bugs are crawling under the skin. These feelings are more prominent during nighttime and are brought about by inactivity. These symptoms can subside and then recur and can vary in intensity.

Involuntary leg flexing and extension is another symptom of RLS. Called Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS), most who exhibit this problem aren't even aware of it because it occurs during sleep. PLMS does keep you from entering a deep sleep and can cause disruptive sleep for anyone else sleeping in the same bed.

RLS appears to be associated with a release of the chemical dopamine which controls muscle movement. It may be hereditary since it runs in the families of 50% of the sufferers. Stress and pregnancy can aggravate the symptoms. A deficiency of iron can cause symptoms to appear as can nerves in the hands and feet that have become damaged because of alcoholism or diabetes.

RLS is difficult to diagnose for several reasons. First, the symptoms can actually be caused by a number of other conditions including stress, muscle cramps and nerves. Second, those with symptoms simply don't seek medical attention. However when RLS is suspected, diagnosis is made by evaluating the answers to a number of different questions your doctor will ask. Questions involve describing the feelings including their frequency and what makes them go away and describing your sleeping patterns. A visit to a sleep clinic where your sleep can be closely monitored is often used to help make a correct diagnosis.

Movement is the way most people treat restless leg syndrome. Walking, stretching, twitching and exercise are the types of movements most choose. However, if RLS is found to have an underlying cause such as an iron deficiency, treating that cause typically helps the symptoms of RLS fade away.

Lifestyle changes and medication are also commonly recommended treatments for the symptoms of RLS. Muscle relaxants, medicines to treat Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, antidepressants and opiods are commonly prescribed. Since these medications are designed to treat other medical conditions, their use as a treatment for RLS can have mixed results.

Non-prescription treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cool packs, massage, yoga, exercise and development of a sleep routine that encourages better sleep.