What is Restless Leg Syndrome?If you are one of the approximate 12 million plus Americans who experience a condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome, it is important to keep on the move in spite of this affliction, but what is restless leg syndrome? Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a non-life threatening neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to constantly move one's legs when symptoms are presented. Associated with this incessant movement is a creepy-crawling sensation. Sensations have also been described as an earthquake getting ready to happen; the shattering feeling of ice touching sensitive teeth; fingernails being scratched across a blackboard, or ants crawling up and down deep inside the legs. Some of the sensations are so severe that one feels like screaming. Although usually limited to the legs, the arms and other parts of the body can also be involved. The cause of RLS is unknown though there may be a genetic link.
RLS occurs more often in women than in men. It usually presents itself around 50 years of age and upward, but has been identified in young children and infants. RLS usually intensifies in severity as age progresses. A common condition associated with RLS is Periodic Limb Movement Disorder characterized by involuntary jerking of legs during sleep. The jerking can be severe enough to jolt one from his bed!
Diagnosis
Research is scant on RLS, possibly related to the fact that it is non-life threatening. Because of this, there are no specific laboratory or other diagnostic measures on the market for this condition.
Diagnosis is made through family history, and personal annotation of symptoms, current medications, past medical history, and sleep problems. Lab work is performed to rule out anemia, diabetes, renal dysfunction, and/or other diseases which cause similar symptoms. In this respect, lab work can be a definitive boon toward diagnosis.
Electromyography, Doppler sonography, and nerve conduction studies are also available to determine any presence of nerve damage, but these tests are not actually used as diagnostic tools. The bottom line seems to be that most persons with RLS have actually diagnosed themselves, and go to a physician for treatment rather than diagnosis.
Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome
The most effective treatment for RLS is moving, moving, moving--walking, jogging, exercising feet and legs while sitting, stretching, and massaging legs. Hot or cold baths may afford relief. A regular walking program is possibly the best treatment available.
Some sufferers find that Tylenol helps. For moderate or severe RLS, there is Requip (ropinirole HCL), the only FDA approved prescription drug for this condition. A few doctors, however, may prescribe dopamines, diazepam, opioids or anticonvulsants. Dopamines are used to treat Parkinson's disease, and have been successful in lessening the symptoms of RLS in some people. Anticonvulsants are drugs used to prevent convulsive activity, as in epilepsy. Opioids are narcotics, habit-forming, and not for long term use.
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