Symptoms and Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. It often occurs in the evening or at night and can disrupt sleep. Common symptoms of RLS include strange sensations in the legs like tingling, crawling, pulling or itching that happen when the legs are at rest such as when sitting or lying down. These sensations are relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching the legs, at least temporarily. Other signs and symptoms of RLS may include pain in the legs, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
The exact cause of of Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment is unknown, but it often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. Several factors are believed to contribute to or trigger RLS symptoms, including iron deficiency, pregnancy, certain medicines, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney failure. Advanced age is also a risk factor. RLS symptoms tend to worsen with activity, stress, and fatigue and improve with rest. Some people feel symptoms only occasionally, but for others, it can be a severe, chronic problem.
Treatment Options for Managing Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
There is no cure for RLS, but several treatment options can help manage uncomfortable symptoms. Lifestyle modifications that may lessen symptoms include maintaining good sleep hygiene, practicing relaxation techniques, avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic beverages before bedtime, quitting smoking, and stretching or massaging legs before bed.
Taking over-the-counter medications containing magnesium or applying magnesium oil to the legs before bed can sometimes ease RLS symptoms. Prescription medicines are frequently prescribed for more severe cases. Some common ones include dopamine agonists such as pramipexole and ropinirole, opioids like codeine, and anticonvulsants like gabapentin. Alpha-2 delta ligands pregabalin is another medication used to treat RLS.
Adjusting iron levels is important as iron deficiency is a common cause of RLS symptoms. Adequate iron levels can be maintained through iron supplements or an iron-rich diet containing red meat, fish, poultry, leafy greens, beans and dried fruits. IV iron therapy administered by a doctor may be necessary in more severe cases of low iron.
Deep breathing, relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga and exercise can help counteract stress and fatigue, which tend to worsen RLS symptoms. Physical therapies like massage therapy, warm baths, manual traction applied to the legs and regular exercise have shown benefits as well.
When to Seek Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies do not sufficiently relieve symptoms, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to consult a physician in the following situations:
– Symptoms persist or worsen over time.
– RLS interferes significantly with daytime functioning or sleep.
– Associated with other medical conditions like iron-deficiency anemia, kidney disease, diabetic neuropathy or pregnancy.
– Symptoms occur more often or start earlier in the day.
– Medication prescribed is not effective in reducing uncomfortable sensations and other features of RLS.
– Presence of other associated symptoms like pain, numbness or weakness along with RLS.
In Summary, a thorough medical evaluation including blood tests, physical exam and sometimes nerve conduction studies will help identify underlying causes and guide appropriate treatment. Continued management with a doctor is important for ensuring RLS symptoms remain controlled.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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