International Nurses Association

Legs take us where we need to go, and they are a body part that we depend on. We assume they will do the job they are intended to do.  Sometimes however there can be a p roblem, and when a leg is out of commission, a body is out of commission.  Restless Leg Syndrome Nothing is worse than being exhausted and lying down in your comfortable bed, ready to close your eyes as soon as your head hits the pillow.   You put your head on the pillow, and then it hits, you must move your legs.   So, you can try to ignore it, but there is no way.   For 10 minutes you lay there, trying not to move, trying to ignore that feeling that you must move your legs.   Eventually you get up, and pace until the feeling subsides.   This can make you feel like a walking zombie, you can be so tired, yet your legs will not allow a peaceful rest.   There are medications, and for me at least, it helps 90%, so be receptive to taking medication when necessary. Warm baths and heating pads can sometimes create a

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