Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is a disorder which is part of the nervous system that affects movement in the legs. It is also considered a sleep disorder due to the discomfort interfering with sleep. Restless legs syndrome does not cause serious health problems, but since it does interfere with sleep, fatigue can be a major result.
While difficult to describe or even understand the symptoms of restless leg syndrome can consist of aching of the legs, creepy/crawling feeling or prickly sensations when trying to relax. It is estimated that between 4 and 14% of adults have restless leg syndrome as well as 19% of women may develop some restless leg symptoms in pregnancy.
Before a diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome can be made, a doctor will ask questions about symptoms and look for other possible reasons for the discomfort. Other than explaining the uncomfortable sensations in the legs when resting , a family history of RLS may be looked into, noting any involuntary movement of legs while awake or sleep, or if there is an improvement noted with the use of restless leg medication. In more difficult to diagnoses cases, a sleep study may be done to help diagnose the severity of RLS and how it is affecting the day to day life of the person .
There can be difficulty in diagnosing restless leg syndrome for several reasons. The most common may be that people do not visit the doctor when they are having symptoms, or if they do the appointment will be during the day when symptoms are mild or non-existent. Unfortunately, RLS is often times misdiagnosed as insomnia, stress, muscle cramps or arthritis.
When it comes to Restless Leg Syndrome in children, the diagnosis becomes a new challenge. Children can not always explain the feelings they are having in their legs and will be misdiagnosed just as adults. What is important when having children checked for possible RLS, is have a family history available, monitor when the child complains of pain or discomfort in the legs. This information can help the doctor make the correct diagnosis.
It is true diagnosis is most important, after that treatment becomes the focus. Treatments, however, are as varied as they people seeking help. There are medications for restless leg syndrome that are available that have been approved are Requip and Mirapex. In addition, there are many home remedies, alternative medicine practices and natural remedies for restless leg syndrome.
It is important, as with most health issues, to check with your doctor as to what the best treatment will be for you or your child. Whether using medication or other relief plans be sure they are approved and are right for you. Using plans that were specified for others as a way to avoid seeing a doctor may cause more problems. Check with your doctor and talk with him about your symptoms. Then work with him on a plan for your restless leg syndrome treatment.
