Are you that person at the table who just can’t sit still, the foot shaker, bed roller, and leg rattler that can’t for the life of you relax and be still? We all know one, and maybe you are one. Yes, some legs just keep on moving! You’re not alone!
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), or Wills-Ekbom disease, is a common neurological condition that even young actor Taylor Lautner (the Twilight hunk) battles with. Our very own renowned Olympic athlete, Zola Budd-Pieterse, suffers from this condition as well. It has a trivial-sounding name, but the reality is that RLS can affect your whole life.
What is RLS?
Restless Legs Syndrome is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. A person suffering from RLS often complains of a tingling, burning, tugging, or creeping sensation in the legs. Discomfort worsens when the sufferer tries to sit, relax or sleep. Because the symptoms tend to flare up at night, repetitive cramping or twitching of the legs makes a good night’s sleep almost impossible.
About 5 to 10% of adults will develop it, but while some will just experience a sporadic twitchiness at the end of the day, for others the condition is a torment that significantly impairs their quality of life.
What causes RLS?
The exact cause of this syndrome is unknown; however, doctors suspect that genes play a role. Nearly half of people with RLS also have a family member with the condition.
Other factors associated with the development or worsening of RLS include:
• Chronic diseases and medical conditions including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease or kidney failure. Treating these diseases often gives some relief from RLS symptoms.
• Medications: Some anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, or cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines, may worsen symptoms.
• Pregnancy. Symptoms will usually disappear within a month after delivery.
• Other factors, such as alcohol use and sleep deprivation may trigger symptoms or make them worse.
Treatment for RLS
There is no cure for RLS. Treatment is targeted at easing symptoms.
In people with mild to moderate RLS, lifestyle changes such as a regular exercise program, establishing a regular sleep pattern, and decreasing the use of alcohol and tobacco, may be useful. Also try a warm bath before bed, a leg massage, or a hot water bottle. Iron supplements as well as a low dose of magnesium may also bring some relief.
Treatment of an RLS associated condition may provide relief of symptoms. Medication may be helpful as RLS treatments, but the same drugs are not helpful for everyone. Speak to your health care provider; never try any drugs on hear-say; a drug that relieves symptoms in one person may worsen them in another.
So, if you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or if your bed partner is constantly complaining about your behaviour while you’re sleeping; you may have RLS. Speak to your doctor about minimizing the symptoms and how to increase periods of restful sleep.
Source: www.theguardian.com, www.webmd.com, www.healthplus24.com, lowvelder.co.za, www.iol.co.za, www.antistaxleghealthcentre.co.za, www.all4women.co.za
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
