Restless Legs Syndrome

This condition is characterized by irresistible urge to keep your leg moving due to uncomfortable sensation. This unpleasant sensation is temporarily relieved by moving. This syndrome is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. Onset can occur in any age.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Crawling, creeping, pulling sensation on the leg that arises when a person is lying down or sitting for extended time.
Relief of sensation with movements like stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking.
Leg twitching at nighttime

Causes

Main cause of this condition is not known but it may occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, usually dopamine. This condition can be hereditary or arises during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:

Electroencephalogram
Patient can be referred to sleep specialist

Treatment

Treatment options include:

Treatment of underlying condition like iron deficiency can ease the symptoms
Lifestyle modification
Medications can be prescribed which increases dopamine level in brain
Opioids, muscle relaxants, drugs affecting calcium channel are prescribed

Lifestyle and home remedies

Take warm baths and do massaging of legs
Maintain good sleep hygiene
Moderate and regular exercise
Limit caffeine use

Topics to Read

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Restless Legs Syndrome