Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic sensorimotor disorder that causes the
legs to feel uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. This
leads to an urge to move your legs which will make it feel better for a little
while, but not for too long. These symptoms can cause severe sleep
disruptions and affect the person's overall life.
RLS affects men and women of all ages, but worsens with age. 10% of
adults in the U.S. are affected.
RLS can give the person a sensation of something crawling on them, aching,
tingling or a burning feeling causing an uncontrollable urge to move the legs.
There is not a known cause for most cases of restless legs syndrome, but
pregnancy, kidney failure and anemia can cause it. RLS may be hereditary
and has been found in families.
Medications are available to reduce the symptoms of RLS. Some are used
to treat Parkinson's disease patients and they help reduce the twitching in the
legs. If you suffer from anemia, an iron supplement may help reduce the
symptoms of restless legs syndrome. It may take one medication or a
combination of medications to treat the symptoms. |