Restless Legs

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Treatment

The medical condition restless legs is characterized by an irresistible, tempting urge to move the legs. Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS can affect any age group but worsens with age. This syndrome occurs typically while sitting or lying down mostly during evenings. It can disrupt the patient's sleep as well causing acute sleeplessness that can significantly damage their quality of life. Getting up and taking a walk or moving around suffices the immediate urge and gradually the feeling subsides.

The condition causes an uncomfortable, "itchy," "pins and needles," or "creepy crawly" feeling in the legs. This can affect both sexes, belonging to any age group but of those affected by this symptom are mostly middle-aged or belong to the old age group. RLS can be cured successfully once diagnosed.

Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome ( RLS )

The Doctors haven't found a specific cause for this particular disease but suspect that genes play a role in it as a member who suffers from this must have another family member affected with the same. Some of the causes that doctors have studied upon which might be the reason for RLS are-

Abnormalities in the Central Nervous System

Underlying medical conditions such as kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, diabetes include symptoms of RLS.

Iron and magnesium deficiency may cause this problem.

Pregnant women experience RLS especially in their last trimester which goes away after about a month of the delivery.

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome ( RLS )

The main symptom is the irresistible urge to move the legs

Leg cramps

Whole body fatigue or restlessness.

Difficulty falling asleep

Restless Legs syndrome is diagnosed by its symptoms and can be cured by medicine, therapy or self-care.

Self-care Treatment to Cure RLS

Discontinue caffeine

Physical exercise is a good remedy. Also, physiotherapies can help reduce the problem.

A smoker affected with RLS must quit smoking.

Massaging the legs may help.

Patient must maintain a good sleep habit

Hot baths or heating pads or ice packs can be applied to the legs.

A vibrating pad called Relaxis may be used as per doctors advice.

Consumption of vitamins and minerals in correct quantities. Iron intake can be increased by having red meat, liver, spinach and other dark leafy greens, dried fruit, poultry, seafood and iron-fortified cereals.

Keep yourself hydrated.

In case, symptoms worsen at once consult the Doctors at the Crystal Dental Centre New Delhi, India who can help relax conditions with the help of medication.

Authored by Dr. ABHIMANYU CHATURVEDI