Here discuss about Restless legs syndrome Treatment in southlake : Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable and persistent urge to move your legs. It is usually due to uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in your legs.
RLS typically occurs in the evening or nighttime hours when you’re sitting or lying on the bed. It can interfere with your daily activities and disrupt your sleep.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 10 percent of Americans are affected with RLS.
Sensations of RLS may feel like a tingling, crawling, throbbing, or pulling sensation in your legs.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
The most common symptom is an uncontrollable urge to move the legs.
Other symptoms of RLS include:
- Sensation that begins after you’ve been sitting or lying down for a prolonged period of time.
- Sensation that relieves you with movements.
- Sensation that gets worse in the evening or at night. You may have trouble falling asleep due to an increase in the unpleasant sensation.
- Unconsciously twitching and kicking of legs while asleep.
Symptoms of RLS may sometimes stop for a period of time and then come back again.
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
There is no known cause for RLS. Medical professionals and researchers suspect that RLS may be caused by an imbalance of a chemical in the brain known as dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement
Risk factors
The risk factors of RLS include:
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Heredity
RLS may run in some families. More than 40% of people with RLS have a family history of it.
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Pregnancy
Some pregnant women experience RLS, especially during their last trimester. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen symptoms of RLS.
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Age
RLS is more common with increasing age. People who are 40 and above are more prone to RLS than people that are younger.
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Gender
RLS is more common in women than in men.
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Peripheral neuropathy
People with peripheral neuropathy have an increased risk of RLS.
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Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause or worsen RLS.
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Kidney failure
Kidney failure may cause or worsen RLS.
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Spinal cord conditions
Spinal cord damage or injury can increase the risk of developing RLS.
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Anesthesia
Administering anesthesia to the spinal cord can increase the risk of developing RLS
Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome
Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome
Treating an underlying condition responsible for RLS, such as iron deficiency can greatly relieve symptoms of RLS. Treatment is aimed to stop your sensations.
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle and home remedies
Making certain lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms of RLS. These include:
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Bathing and massages
Soak your legs in a warm bath and massage your legs to relax your muscles.
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Apply warm or cool packs
Place ice packs on the affected area or you can also try placing heat on the affected area.
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Good sleep hygiene
Practice good sleep hygiene. Have a comfortable sleep and get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
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Exercise
Engaging in regular exercises may help relieve symptoms of RLS. However, do not engage in excessive and very strenuous exercises as doing this may intensify your symptoms.
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Avoid caffeine
Avoid caffeinated products including chocolate, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
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Foot wrap
A foot wrap specially designed for people with RLS may help relieve symptoms of RLS.
Medications
Several prescription medications may help to stop or reduce symptoms of RLS.
These medications include:
Medications that increase dopamine in the brain
These medications increases levels of the chemical messenger known as dopamine in your brain. Examples include Ropinirole, rotigotine and pramipexole.
Anticonvulsants
Certain anticonvulsants such as gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil and pregabalin may be effective for some people with RLS.
Opioids
Opioids are narcotic medications and can relieve mild to severe symptoms of RLS. Examples include tramadol, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Opioids are addictive and should be used for a short period of time.