RLS or restless legs syndrome affects as many as 12 millionpeople in the United States.
RLS is a condition that causes a powerful urge to move the legs.the urge to move is usually due to an unpleasant feeling in thelegs that occurs when at rest. Some people describe it as acreeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes thelegs feel better, but not for long.
What causes RLS?
In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. a family history ofthe condition is seen in approximately 50 percent of cases. Inother cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as lowiron levels, severe kidney disease and peripheral nerve diseases.RLS can also be associated with pregnancy and the use of certainmedications.
Who has RLS?
RLS affects both men and women. the disorder occurs more often inwomen than in men. RLS may begin at any age, even as early asinfancy. Most patients who are severely affected by the conditionare middle-age or older. the severity of the disorder appears toincrease with age. Older patients experience symptoms morefrequently and for longer periods of time.
Some pregnant women experience RLS, especially in their lasttrimester. For most of these women, symptoms disappear after givingbirth.
How do doctors diagnose RLS?
The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group identifiedthese four basic criteria for diagnosing RLS:
* a desire to move the limbs (to minimize or prevent unpleasantsensations).
* Symptoms that are worse or present only during rest and arepartially or temporarily relieved by activity.
* Motor restlessness.
* Worsening of such symptoms at night.
Despite established standard criteria, diagnosing RLS is oftendifficult. Doctors must rely on patients’ descriptions of thesymptoms and information from their medical history (including pastmedical problems, family history and current medications). Bloodtests and tests that measure electrical activity in muscles andnerves are often performed.
How is restless legs syndrome treated?
RLS is generally a lifelong condition for which there is no cure.Current therapies can control the disorder, minimizing symptoms andincreasing periods of restful sleep.
While movement brings relief to those with RLS, it is generallyonly temporary. For those with mild to moderate symptoms,prevention is key. many physicians suggest certain lifestylechanges and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Althoughmany patients find some relief with such measures, rarely do theseefforts completely eliminate symptoms. Recommended lifestylechanges and activities may include:
* Decreasing use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
* Taking supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate andmagnesium.
* Maintaining a regular sleep pattern.
* Regular moderate exercise (although excessive exercise has beenreported by some patients to aggravate RLS symptoms).
* Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs or using a heating pad orice pack.
If lifestyle changes don’t work, medicines may reduce the symptomsof RLS. Physicians may suggest a variety of medications to treatRLS.
People who experience symptoms of RLS need to know that somemedicines can make the condition worse. it is important for peoplewith RLS to make doctors aware of all the drugs they are taking,including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; National Institutesof Health; American Academy of Family Physicians; Restless LegsSyndrome Foundation
Jackie Beaton is director of public relations,marketing and volunteer services at Fremont Area MedicalCenter.