Restless Legs
About 10% of people have restless legs syndrome (RLS). Of these, only 2% - 3% have moderate to severe symptoms that affect their quality of life. More than 80% of people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder where the arms or legs twitch or jerk during the night. The movements disturb sleep and can cause chronic sleepiness. Interestingly:
Slightly more women than men get it.
Children do not get RLS.
People with RLS in their family usually get it at a younger age.
Causes
The cause of restless legs syndrome is usually unknown.
Experts think that RLS may be connected to how the brain uses dopamine and iron.
Genetics also plays a role. About half of people with restless legs syndrome have a family member with it.
Many medical conditions are linked to it: including iron deficiency, end-stage kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and pregnancy.
But most people with restless legs syndrome do not have any of these conditions.
However, if you have one of these conditions, treating it effectively, can improve RLS symptoms.
Management
There are some cases where restless legs syndrome disappears on its own. These cases are rare. For most people symptoms just get worse over time. Experts agree that simply changing your behaviour can often help you sleep better, if you have restless legs syndrome.
So, here are some behaviour changes:
Cut down on caffeine. (stimulant)
Cut down on alcohol. (stimulant)
Stop smoking or at least cut back. (stimulant)
Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including weekends.
Exercise regularly, but moderately (Heavy exercise may worsen symptoms)
Apply heat or ice, or soak in a hot bath if it is particularly bad.
If you are losing sleep often or feeling depressed or anxious or having trouble concentrating then you may want to see your doctor.
For people with RLS symptoms caused by a medical condition, treatment of the medical condition can lessen RLS.
Most people with RLS have the "idiopathic" form (no known cause) and there’s no risk it will develop into something more serious.
Treatments
Taking iron pills may improve RLS in these people. Even in people who are not anaemic and have normal iron levels, iron levels may be involved. Studies show a "brain iron deficiency" in many people with restless legs syndrome. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements even if a person's iron levels are within normal range. However, too much iron can lead to liver damage and other health problems.
Medications: Anti-seizure medicines, such as gabapentin; Opiate pain medicines, such as hydrocodone, propoxyphene, and tramadol and "Sedative-hypnotics," such as clonazepam and zolpidem.
Answering your questions and concerns, about restless legs, is important to MyFamilyPodiatrist. We want you to be in the best position to actively achieve results and achieve a speedy recovery.
Whatever approach is needed to improve your health, it will be a shared journey between you and our podiatrist, with your wellbeing central to the process.
Contact us on admin@myfamilypodiatrist.com.au
Take the first step!