Stories and TV commercials have clearly demonstrated the discomfort of restless leg syndrome (normally called simply RLS) to everybody although of course those who have suffered with the disorder for years know all too well the way RLS can disrupt life. As the existence of RLS becomes more widely known people may well find the root cause of their mystery symptoms and start to ask questions when they see their doctor. Perhaps more importantly they will also come to see their symptoms as real and not merely imagined and realize that they are far from alone.
Probably the simplest description of just how RLS affects an individual is to say that it is a condition in which you find that you simply cannot relax. When an individual either sits or lays down at night their legs start to feel like pins and needles are sticking them or suffer a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to continually move their legs, making it just about impossible to sleep. This in itself explains why one of the principle effects of RLS is insomnia.
As research has progressed it has become clear that many RLS sufferers also have family members with the disorder and that there is almost certainly a genetic element to this disorder. The genetic element is an important one when diagnosing children as they frequently do not vocalize their pain or discomfort in the same way as adults and the disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as muscle cramps, arthritis, stress and insomnia and focus is often put on the child's irritability, restlessness and inattentiveness as what is said to be growing pains.
Additionally, pregnant women will at times find themselves suffering from the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms coming during the final trimester. Because of the pregnancy, medication is generally not recommended except during the last two or three months when the effects on the unborn child are going to be minimal.
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The main concern for anybody with RLS should be diagnosis because it is only after you have been diagnosed that treatment can start and relief begin.
Treatment for RLS varies widely from one individual to the next and depends upon the severity of the symptoms being experienced. Medication is usually used for more severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being two of the most well known medicines used. For those who do not wish to use medication there are alternative treatments such as acupuncture and a range of homeopathic remedies. Also, changes in lifestyle such as relaxation, exercise and using hot and cold packs may also be used to relieve symptoms.
Although it may seem appropriate to look for the best relief for your symptoms by yourself checking with a doctor first is best as RLS can occasionally be a secondary condition and result from another condition or disorder as, for instance, when it arises during pregnancy. Making use of your own plan could cause further problems and thus not result in the relief you are looking for.
Because each person is a unique individual so too are our symptoms and an understanding of this fact is vital when it comes to treatment. It is only with sound knowledge of this condition that appropriate treatment can be given and that the leg pain of RLS can become a thing of the past.
