Restless Legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a chronic neurological disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. It can also cause uncomfortable sensations in the legs, such as aching, tingling, crawling, pulling, searing, drawing, or bubbling. These sensations usually occur in the calf area, but can also affect the thighs, feet, and sometimes the arms. Symptoms are often most intense at night when resting and can severely disrupt sleep. Moving the legs or walking can temporarily relieve the discomfort, but the sensations often return once movement stops.

RLS is diagnosable by a HCP, but there is no known cure. However, a Physician can help manage the condition to improve symptoms. Some things that may help include:
  • Self-care steps
  • Lifestyle changes, such as developing a daily schedule of exercise and physical activities
  • Medications, such as dopamine agonists like pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and rotigotine (Neupro)
  • Iron supplementation
  • Drinking a 6-ounce glass of tonic water before bed
  • Magnesium supplements are often recommended for restless legs syndrome (RLS) because anecdotal evidence suggests that Magnesium relieves symptoms. Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps muscles relax and nerves function. Some researchers believe that magnesium deficiency may contribute to the severity of RLS symptoms. 100 to 200 mg/day

Things to AVOID:

Some things that may worsen RLS symptoms include:
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Nicotine
  • Medications, including certain drugs used to treat nausea, colds and allergies, and mental health conditions
  • OTC medications that contain first-generation sedating antihistamines (diphenhydramine)
  • Some antidepressants

RLS is very common

More than 3 million US cases per year
 
Treatment can help, but this condition cannot be cured
 
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
 
Requires a medical diagnosis
 
Lab tests or imaging rarely required
 
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/solving-restless-legs-largest-genetic-study-date-may-help-2024a1000b40
Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch Author and Blogger

You Might Also Enjoy...

Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries

Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise due to the sport’s rapid growth in the United States, especially among adults aged 50 and older

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes primarily through the mouth rather than the nose, often due to nasal obstruction or other health issues

ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure.

Common Hormones and Their Nicknames

Many hormones also have scientific abbreviations and are grouped by chemical classes (e.g., peptide, steroid, amine). The nicknames often come from their most prominent and publicized effects on health or behavior.

EYES are a WINDOW to the KIDNEYS

"Eyes are a window to the kidneys" is a medically relevant concept, suggesting that eye conditions, particularly those affecting the retina and its microvasculature, can indicate the presence and progression of kidney disease and other systemic conditions

Erysipelas vs. Cellulitis

Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin's upper layers and lymphatic vessels. It is a more superficial infection than cellulitis and is often called "St. Anthony's Fire" due to its fiery, red appearance. Cellulitis involves deeper tissues.