Restless Leg Syndrome - Understanding The Basics

Recent news stories and television commercials have clearly shown the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome sleep disorder (commonly called simply RLS) to everybody. While naturally those people who have suffered from this disorder for years know only too well the ways in which RLS can disrupt life. As information about RLS becomes more widely known people may find the root cause of their mysterious symptoms and start to ask questions when they see their doctor. Possible more importantly they will come to see their symptoms as real and they are far from alone.

Probably the simplest description of just how RLS affects an individual is to say that it is a disorder in which you experience an inability to relax. When an individual either sits or lays down at night their legs start to feel as though pins and needles are being stuck into them or experience a creepy or crawling sensation and the need to constantly move their legs, making it all but impossible to sleep. This alone explains why one of the chief results of RLS is insomnia.

As research data has become available it has been seen that many of those with RLS also have family members with this disorder and that there is therefore without doubt a genetic element to the disorder. The genetic link is important when it comes to diagnosing children as they frequently do not vocalize their discomfort or pain in the same way as adults and the condition is often misdiagnosed, as arthritis, muscle cramps, stress and insomnia and attention is often focused on the child's restlessness, inattentiveness and irritability as what is said to be growing pains.

Additionally, at times pregnant women find themselves with the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms of the condition coming during their final trimester. Because of their pregnancy, medication is often not recommended except during the last two or three months when the effects on their unborn child are going to be minimal.

Diagnosis is the first and foremost concern for anyone who suffers from RLS symptoms because it is only after you have been diagnosed that treatment can become the focus and relief begins.

Treatment for RLS varies widely from one person to the next and with the severity of the symptoms being experienced. Medication is normally used for severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being two of the most well known used medicines. For people who do not like to take medication there are alternative treatments like acupuncture and a range of homeopathic remedies. Also, lifestyle changes like relaxation, exercise and using hot and cold packs may also be used to relieve symptoms.

While it might feel normal to look for the best relief for your symptoms by yourself you should check with your doctor first as RLS can sometimes be a secondary condition and result from another disorder or condition as, for example, when it appears during pregnancy. Making use of your own treatment plan might lead to additional problems and thus not bring about the relief you are looking for.

Because each person is unique individual so too are the symptoms we experience and an understanding of this fact is vital when it comes to treating RLS. It is only with sound knowledge of this disorder that proper treatment can be given and the leg pain of RLS will be a memory.