Do you sometimes get the impulse to wiggle your toes or stretch your legs when you are sitting or lying down for an extended period of time? If so, you might be one of the 3% of the population that suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological affliction that is characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs. If you have any of the four symptoms listed below, you may have RLS:
You have such a strong urge to move your legs that you find hard to resist. The need to move has been manifests itself in feelings that can be described as “creeping,” “itching,” “pulling,” “the creepy-crawlies” “tugging,” or “gnawing.”
Symptoms start or become worse when you rest. The longer you are at rest, the greater the feelings are likely to be.
Symptoms get better when you move your legs. Relief persists as long as standing, stomping or walking continues.
Symptoms are usually worse in the evening.
Restless Leg Syndrome can also make it hard for you to fall or stay asleep. Many people who have RLS also have periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS). These are jerks that occur every 20 to 30 seconds on and off throughout the night. This can cause partial awakenings that disrupt sleep. Sleep deprivation can seriously impact your work, relationships, and health.
What causes it?
Medical science has not yet isolated the fundamental cause of RLS, although the evidence suggests that for some it is idiopathic; that is, it may exist inherently in some people without any known cause. The National Sleep Foundation reports that it has a lower prevalence in India, Japan and Singapore. This would indicate that there could be ethnic factors inherent in the condition and may suggest that diet plays a role.
Restless Leg Syndrome may start at any age, including early childhood. In young people it is often misdiagnosed as “growing pains.” Most often it begins before people reach the age of 40. For some, RLS is a progressive disease, worsening as they age. For others, it seems to be something they grow out of.
Studies suggest that external factors result in RLSA. Dehydration may be a cause, as some sufferers often find that drinking a glass of water may stop the urges for a short while. Certain medications may worsen RLS in those who already have it, or even cause the restlessness. Drugs that prompt the urge include anti-nauseants, antihistamines and antidepressents. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine can also trigger its onset. RLS has also been linked to a lack of iron in the blood stream.
How do we treat it?
Many sufferers rely on walking or stomping their feet, or doing stretches to counter the sensations of RLS. However, such movements will only bring immediate and temporary relief. Iron supplements help others. Regular exercise, if timed right, also helps. If you exercise too close to the end of the day, it may exacerbate your RLS symptons.
You can also try changing your diet -- eliminating sugar, sugar substitutes (particularly aspartame), and gluten. Adding supplements such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin B-12, folate, vitamin E, and calcium have relieved symptoms in some people. Studies also have shown that maintaining a regular sleep pattern can manage RLS symptoms. Other options include taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack before settling down in the evening.
Recently two drugs have been used to alleviate the symptoms of RLS: roprinrole (marketed as Requip) and pramipexole (under the brand name Mirapex). Roprinole was originally developed to treat Parkinson’s Disease, but it has proven helpful in the treatment of RLS. Unfortunately, there is the risk of side effects with both of these drugs, known as “dopamine agonists.” In a small number of cases, they have actually caused augmentation in which the symptoms of RLS increase during the day. In other people, the drugs have brought on a rebound – the RLS symptoms resurface with greater intensity as the drug wears off. Oddly, studies have shown that for a very small number of patients, the use of Requip and Mirapex has triggered compulsive gambling.
For more information on RLS, you can contact:
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
819 Second Street, SW
Rochester, MN, 55902-2985
rlsfoundation@rls.org
http://www.rls.org
Tel: 507-287-6465
Fax: 507-287-6312
Before attempting any exercise or diet modification, always consult a fitness or medical professional. All rights reserved. | info@greenmaplewellness.net www.greenmaplewellness.net
