Author’s Bio: Ria Ellendula is an incoming college freshman who is passionate about public health and healthcare policy.

WHAT IS RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder also known as Willis Ekborn disease. The syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in the legs, along with a strong urge to move the legs. This urge intensifies when people are relaxed or trying to sleep.

One of the main problems with RLS is its ability to trigger other severe health problems. RLS tends to interfere with daily sleep patterns, causing excessive drowsiness and fatigue. These side-effects can become risk factors for depression, neurological disorders and stroke if left untreated.

RLS tends to manifest itself when people reach middle age, and it is more common in women than in men. RLS is usually accompanied by a similar condition called periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS), which causes the legs to jerk during sleep every 15-40 seconds. This same condition can lead to sleep deprivation as well.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME CAUSES

While there has been no proven trigger for RLS yet, many have drawn a correlation between genetic and environmental factors. Approximately 40 percent of those with RLS have a family history with the condition. If the syndrome is known to affect members of the family, symptoms are likely to show up around the age of 40. There are additionally 5 gene variants for the condition.

Doctors suspect that iron levels in the blood play a role. Low iron levels may be indicative of RLS.

RLS has also been linked to a change in the dopamine pathways in the brain. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by abnormally low dopamine levels, which explains why people with Parkinson’s are often diagnosed with RLS.

Scientists speculate that there are other substances that may increase the symptoms, such as:

Allergies
Nausea
Depression
Psychosis

RLS can also occur as a byproduct of other health problems, such as neuropath, kidney failure, or diabetes.

RLS Risk Factors:

Age: As stated before, most people with RLS tend to be above 40. Although RLS can take place at any age, At older ages, it’s more common and can be more severe.

Gender: As stated before, RLS is much more prevalent in women than in men.

Pregnancy: Some women can develop a temporary form of RLS during their last trimester of pregnancy; however, this remedies itself following delivery.

Chronic Disease: Some conditions, such as neuropathy, diabetes, sleep disorders, and kidney failure, can trigger RLS, but treating those conditions can relieve symptoms of RLS.

Family History

Ethnicity: Although anyone can get RLS, it is more prevalent in those with Northern European descent.

Medications: Symptoms may be aggravated antinausea, antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antihistamine medications.

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RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME SYMPTOMS

Restless leg syndrome elicits itself differently in those who have it. The International Restless Leg Syndrome study group conducted a study to identify common symptoms that are shared amongst many people.

Tingling or “crawling” sensations that affect the arms and legs
Compelling urge to move limbs (in order to reduce tingling/crawling sensation)
Restlessness (can be exhibited through constant pacing, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, etc.)

As said before, symptoms are displayed differently. For some, they may only occur when lying down or sitting. For others, symptoms worsen when lying down or sitting. Some other symptoms include:

Daytime sleepiness and sleep disturbances
Periodic leg movements (involuntary, persistent, jerking limb movements that may occur when sleeping or sitting down)

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME TREATMENTS

Oral Iron supplements (for those with iron deficiency)
Vitamin D supplements (RLS is linked to Vitamin D deficiency)
Prescription medications
- Gabapentin is an anti seizure medication that is approved by the FDA to treat RLS
- Benzodiazepines
- Dopaminergic drugs are usually prescribed first as they are able to effectively relieve symptoms of RLS. These drugs increase dopamine levels in your brain. Some drugs that can be taken include:
  - Pramipexole
  - Ropinirole
  - Rotigotine
Opioids can also treat pain, but consult your doctor prior to consuming them. Always make sure to take the opioids in small doses.
- Oxycodone and Naloxone can relieve RLS symptoms and improve sleeping patterns.
Get a foot wrap
- Restiffic is a foot wrap that has been shown to relieve symptoms of RLS. It puts pressure on certain points at the bottom of the foot and functions like a muscle relaxant. It must be prescribed in order to be used.

Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome

While home remedies cannot cure restless leg syndrome, they can reduce the presence of symptoms. Some home remedies to consider include:

Sleep consistently (devise a set schedule with the same bedtime and wake-up time)
Aim for at least 30 minutes of light-moderate exercise every day, like swimming or walking
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
Massage leg muscles in the evening
Soak in a hot bath before bed
Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your leg if experiencing symptoms

If you are planning to go on a long car ride or board a plane, plan to do it earlier rather than later.

You can also try to improve areas of your diet if you have an iron deficiency (or another type of deficiency). You can consult a doctor to see what dietary supplements you may be able to take.

ONLINE DOCTOR CONSULTATION FOR RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

If you or someone in your family have concerns about restless leg syndrome, please contact and seek help from our doctors online. At Home Urgent Care provides telehealth services so you can safely and confidently keep your health in check with our primary and urgent care services and get treatment online. Book an online doctor appointment today with our health care experts available at your convenience 365 days a year and get your prescription/medication available online.

WHAT IS RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME?

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME CAUSES

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ONLINE DOCTOR CONSULTATION FOR RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

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