What Is Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects about 10 percent of the population in the United States. Both genders can experience restless leg syndrome at any age, including infants and young children. Severe RLS cases are typically found in middle-age and older people. A person can have RLS without knowing it, even 15 years after the symptoms first began. Once you are diagnosed with RLS, you can begin treatment that will offer relief.

Definition

• RLS is a condition in which your legs are very uncomfortable, whether you are lying or sitting down. It makes you want to move your legs around or even get up. This can provide temporary relief, however, it may still return once you become still again. This condition is a disorder in the nervous system that has an effect on the legs' movement.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of RLS are odd feelings in the legs and sometimes even the arms. The feelings leave you with an urge to move your legs in order to relieve the pain or odd feelings. RLS causes more discomfort than it does actual pain. It causes an itchy sensation deep in the legs. These odd feelings typically occur when lying down to sleep or rest.

Causes

• The causes for RLS are usually unknown. A chemical imbalance of the brain is said to be a possible culprit. The chemical dopamine is responsible for sending the brain messages pertaining to muscle movement. Heredity is another suspected cause for RLS. A deficiency in iron is also believed to cause RLS if not worsen an already-present case. Pregnancy is believed to cause RLS because of the hormonal changes that happen. For some women, this is the first time they experience RLS, and some of these women do not experience it after having their baby. Stress is another possible cause.

Medication Treatment

• There are certain medications that can help treat RLS. Opioid is a narcotic that can be addictive if taken in high doses but can help relieve mild to severe cases and symptoms of RLS. Oxycodone, Percocet and even Vicodin can also be used. Parkinson's disease medications can also help those who suffer from RLS. These medications, such as Mirapex and Sinemet, can decrease the motion of the legs. Medication can cause side effects, including fatigue, nausea, dizziness and feeling lightheaded.

Changes in Your Lifestyle

• There are non-medicinal ways of coping with RLS. Many simple changes in your lifestyle can help relieve RLS symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help alleviate some of the discomfort. Warm and cool packs can help alleviate symptoms. Try alternating both hot and cold to help decrease the uncomfortable sensations. Regular exercise can help relieve RLS symptoms, but be careful not to overdo it. Decrease your intake and use of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. All of these can actually trigger RLS symptoms.