Restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS is a
neurological disorder. It can create
throbbing, pulling, creeping or other sensations in the legs. There is an overwhelming and an
uncontrollable urge to move continuously.
This is most often at night, however many patients report symptoms in
early afternoon. The symptoms range from
mild to severe, and severe cases can be very uncomfortable. The constant moving and urge to move can
physically and emotionally drain a person.
As you try to fall asleep, you are awakened by the need to move the
legs, it is a sure way to disrupt sleep patterns.
It is presumed when you try to lay down, or even sit
down to relax, it triggers the RLS, and the uncomfortable feelings begin. People that suffer from RLS, and are not treated
can suffer from impaired memory, or an inability to accomplish a daily
task. It can also make traveling
difficult and can create depression.
Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population may
have RLS. Studies have shown that
moderate to severe RLS affects 2-3 percent of adults. Some patients refuse to seek medical help,
out of fear they may not be taken seriously.
This is a real condition, and while it can create major discomfort, in
most cases medications help significantly.
My Own RLS as a Nurse
This is retold by Susan, a retired nurse
I was diagnosed with RLS in 2007 and have been on
medication since that time. I have
attempted several times to stop taking the medicine, but it was
unsuccessful. I will most likely be on
this medication for life.
I can tell you first hand what suffering from this is
like. I would come home exhausted, ready
to go straight to bed. I would shower,
grab a quick bite, and try to relax. I
would lay down, and it would start immediately -- that need to move my legs. I would almost doze off, and then I would be
forced to jerk and move my legs. I would
be so uncomfortable that I would eventually get up and walk, just to stop the
feeling. I would literally fall asleep
while walking. It was a very uncomfortable situation. Eventually I spoke with my physician, who
prescribed an RLS medication. What a
difference this made in my life. I was
finally able to relax my legs, and my body.
Treatment for RLS
Treatment for this condition usually involves one of
the popular RLS medications. Mirapex and
Requip are two of the more popular RLS meds, which are now available in the
form of a generic. Other methods that
may help with RLS are:
- Warming the legs with a heating blanket or heating pad
- Taking a warm shower or bath
- Over the counter pain medication
- Meditation and relaxation therapy
- Massage seems to work well for some people. This does not need to be a professional massage, a massage cushion under the legs should work just fine.
- Tense and relax is a method that works very well. One leg at a time, tense and hold for 10 seconds and then relax, do this 3-4 times for best results and repeat with the other leg.
Related: Why
get your Master’s in Nursing?
Restless leg syndrome is thought to be agitated by
caffeine, so it is best to avoid caffeine from mid afternoon on. Since restless leg syndrome differs from
patient to patient, it is important to keep a journal, jotting down daily
activities and foods so that it can be determined what exactly triggers the
more severe cases of RLS. You may find a
particular food worsens the condition.
One patient journals, and realized hot dogs to be the cause behind his
especially bad days. Hot dogs are
extremely high in preservatives, which obviously contributed to the
condition.
The diagnosis of restless leg syndrome is made by the
patient's description of symptoms, and the results of the prescribed
medication. The prescribed medication
should improve the RLS within a day or two, and the dosage can be increased as
needed.
One consideration when RLS is still in the stages of
being diagnosed, is to not overlook other, more serious conditions. Blood clots can also cause leg pain and
discomfort, and could be very dangerous if overlooked. For sudden or extreme pain, seek medical attention
to rule out serious conditions.
It is important to note that RLS is a true medical
condition, and can make people very uncomfortable. There have been cases that individuals
suffered extreme depression from the effects of RLS. It can create extreme exhaustion from lack of
sleep, which can contribute to depression.
RLS can be treated with medications and therapy, and in most cases this
treatment reduces or even eliminates symptoms
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