Facts about Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) Restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS is a neurological disorder. It can create throbbing, pulling, creeping or other sensations in the legs. There is an overwhelming and an uncontrollable urge to move continuously. This is most often at night, however many patients report symptoms in early afternoon. The symptoms range from mild to severe, and severe cases can be very uncomfortable. The constant moving and urge to move can physically and emotionally drain a person. As you try to fall asleep, you are awakened by the need to move the legs, it is a sure way to disrupt sleep patterns. It is presumed when you try to lay down, or even sit down to relax, it triggers the RLS, and the uncomfortable feelings begin. People that suffer from RLS, and are not treated can suffer from impaired memory, or an inability to accomplish a daily task. It can also make traveling difficult and can create depression. Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population may have RLS. Studies have shown that moderate to severe RLS affects 2-3 percent of adults. Some patients refuse to seek medical help, out of fear they may not be taken seriously. This is a real condition, and while it can create major discomfort, in most cases medications help significantly. Related:
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My Own RLS as a Nurse This is retold by Susan, a retired nurse I was diagnosed with RLS in 2007 and have been on medication since that time. I have attempted several times to stop taking the medicine, but it was unsuccessful. I will most likely be on this medication for life. I can tell you first hand what suffering from this is like. I would come home exhausted, ready to go straight to bed. I would shower, grab a quick bite, and try to relax. I would lay down, and it would start immediately -- that need to move my legs. I would almost doze off, and then I would be forced to jerk and move my legs. I would be so uncomfortable that I would eventually get up and walk, just to stop the feeling. I would literally fall asleep while walking. It was a very uncomfortable situation. Eventually I spoke with my physician, who prescribed an RLS medication. What a
difference this made in my life. I was finally able to relax my legs, and my body. Treatment for RLS Treatment for this condition usually involves one of the popular RLS medications. Mirapex and Requip are two of the more popular RLS meds, which are now available in the form of a generic. Other methods that may help with RLS are:
Warming the legs with a heating blanket or heating pad
Taking a warm shower or bath
Over the counter pain medication
Meditation and relaxation therapy
Massage seems to work well for some people. This does not need to be a professional massage, a massage cushion under the legs should work just fine.
Tense and relax is a method that works very well. One leg at a time, tense and hold for 10 seconds and then relax, do this 3-4 times for best results and repeat with the other leg.
Related: Why get your Master’s in Nursing? Restless leg syndrome is thought to be agitated by caffeine, so it is best to avoid caffeine from mid afternoon on. Since restless leg syndrome differs from patient to patient, it is important to keep a journal, jotting down daily activities and foods so that it can be determined what exactly triggers the more severe cases of RLS. You may find a particular food worsens the condition. One patient journals, and realized hot dogs to be the cause behind his especially bad days. Hot dogs are extremely high in preservatives, which obviously contributed to the condition. The diagnosis of restless leg syndrome is made by the patient's description of symptoms, and the results of the prescribed medication. The prescribed medication should improve the RLS within a day or two, and the dosage can be increased as needed. One consideration when RLS is still in the stages of being diagnosed, is to not overlook other, more serious conditions. Blood clots can also cause leg pain and discomfort, and could be very dangerous if overlooked. For sudden or extreme pain, seek medical attention to rule out serious conditions.
It is important to note that RLS is a true medical condition, and can make people very uncomfortable. There have been cases that individuals suffered extreme depression from the effects of RLS. It can create extreme exhaustion from lack of sleep, which can contribute to depression. RLS can be treated with medications and therapy, and in most cases this treatment reduces or even eliminates symptoms. Related: Highly Skilled Nurse Gloria E. Nienkirchen, RN, BSN, NP, will be Honorably Mentioned in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter