Restless Legs Syndrome: What It Is And How It Is

Sometimes you feel like you have ants moving under your skin, a sensation that makes you feel discomfort or even pain. You may suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS, for its acronym in English). Millions of Americans suffer from this condition, unfortunately, very few people are diagnosed with this condition receive appropriate treatment. The rest simply suffer for years without knowing that uncomfortable feeling in your legs is something that should be examined by a doctor.

A central nervous system disorder

RLS is a disorder of central nervous system. This disorder can be either genetic or can be caused by an imbalance of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a brain chemical that affects movement. At night, the level of dopamine in the human body naturally declines. This may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome tend to worsen at the end of the day and at night. Iron affects the production of dopamine, so if the body has enough iron, dopamine levels may fall.

Primary and secondary RLS RLS

There are two types of restless legs syndrome: primary and secondary. The primary RLS is a genetic disorder. Commonly occurs without cause, and often occurs among younger people. The symptoms of primary RLS can begin to manifest itself in early adulthood, and symptoms worsen with age. After 50 years, primary RLS symptoms may worsen and even cause significant disturbances of sleep.

On the other hand, secondary RLS, commonly derived from or related to other conditions such as anemia (iron deficiency), pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid problems, varicose veins, Parkinson's disease, apnea, and alcoholism. Also found that secondary RLS symptoms are triggered by certain medications, including anti-emetics and anti-epileptic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake and some medications prescribed for colds and allergies.

Treatment of RLS

RLS is a treatable medical condition, there are many treatment options for restless legs syndrome. If you experience symptoms of RLS, you should first consult a doctor to check your iron levels. If your symptoms of RLS due to iron deficiency, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements or eat more will indicate that iron-containing foods. However, if you are taking H2 blockers and similar drugs, they can prevent proper absorption of iron, so be sure to inform your doctor about the symptoms of RLS so that appropriate tests can tell you before proceeding.

Another natural and effective way of treating the symptoms of RLS is performing regular physical activity. You should also limit your caffeine and alcohol, as well as the use of snuff, particularly at the end of the day and at bedtime. You can also try wrapping your legs with elastic bandages or wearing compression stockings. Also, soak your feet in hot water and cold compresses on the legs can help reduce the symptoms of RLS. Also try to follow a regular rest schedule.

RLS usually is treated with sleep medications. In fact, drugs that doctors prescribe to treat restless legs syndrome are not specifically to treat RLS. These drugs often have use "not listed in the brochure" and although not specifically indicated to treat RLS, is proven to help treat your symptoms. The most common medications used to treat RLS are dopaminergic drugs, including pramipexole and ropinirole. Benzodiazepines also suppress muscle contractions effectively. Ambien and other non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic agents that are basically acting short term is often used to treat mild RLS usually occurs at bedtime. Other sedatives used to treat RLS, including clonazepam (Klonopin), eszopiclone (Lunesta), ramelteon (Rozerem), temazepam (Restoril), zaleplon (Sonata).

If natural methods to treat RLS not seem to work with you, you could try the drugs. But do it only under the supervision of a physician.