Can you recognize the signs of restless legs syndrome Some researchers believe that the restless legs syndrome affects up to 12 million Americans.
RLS was once considered to be due to the disease in blood vessels of the legs or in the nerves in the legs that control leg movement and sensation. Both proposals were rejected. RLS occurs in both sexes, although the incidence may be slightly higher among women. Symptoms may begin at any stage of life, even if the disorder is more common with age.
Restless legs syndrome usually begins slowly. Over time, the legs become more affected. People with the disease to describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging or like insects crawling inside the legs. When RLS is advanced, a person may experience these symptoms in the hands and arms.
Some drugs, such as nausea drugs (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), anti seizure drugs (phenytoin or droperidol), anti psychotic drugs (derivatives of phenothiazines or haloperidol) and some cold medicines and allergy -may aggravate symptoms. Other triggering situations are periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long-distance flights, immobilization in a cast, or relaxation exercises.
Because moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while seated, and start and turn in bed. Exercise and relaxation techniques may help relieve discomfort. People fight against the feeling of restless legs in a number of ways - by stretching, jiggling their legs, pacing, in the exercise or walk.
There are herbal supplements such as LegCalm to help eliminate the feeling of exploration and uncomfortable experience in the RLS. This herbal supplement will also include the absorption of minerals in the diet, preventing deficiencies and anemia. and improve circulation.
RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. In many people the disease is not diagnosed until 10-20 years after the onset of symptoms. Once properly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.
Posted on March 19, 2010.