The “creepy crawlies”
Reasons and results
Relief for RLS
If you get a “creepy crawly” feeling in your legs and/or feet when you sit or lie still, you are not alone. This is a common disorder called restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is a crawling, creeping, tingling or aching feeling that can come and go. Some people go for weeks or months without symptoms.
The cause of RLS is not clear. But it may come from:
The best way to get relief for RLS right away is to rub your legs or get up and walk around. But this relief does not last long, and the feelings often come right back.
stay in one position too long are pregnant are very tired are exposed to cold for a long time have a lot of stress smoke
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heredity (runs in your family)
If RLS is not treated, it may cause problems such as: being sleepy during the day
Other things you can do to relieve RLS: Take medicines. (Ask your doctor about these.)
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have a lot of caffeine
use of certain medicines
trouble doing your normal daily functions trouble sitting still during travel, movies, plays, etc.
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RLS may get worse when you:
lack of vitamins or minerals in your body
anxiety, depression being irritable
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RLS most often affects your lower legs but can also affect your upper legs or arms. It is very uncomfortable and can be painful for some people. RLS can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep because it won’t go away until you move or rub your legs. It is very rare in people under age 30.
medical problems such as diabetes, anemia, arthritis, lung disease
Use a heating pad or ice pack. Take a shower or hot bath.
Do muscle relaxing exercises. (Ask your doctor about these.)
Take aspirin or other pain reliever (only if your doctor says you can). Get regular exercise (early in the day). Avoid caffeine. Don’t smoke. Practice good sleep habits.
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Your doctor may ask you many questions to find out if a medical problem is causing your RLS. If it is, treatment for the problem may cure your RLS. If there is no medical problem, or you have one that cannot be treated, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat your RLS. If RLS runs in your family, you may have more severe symptoms. And it is often harder to treat.
Notes:
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) Causes Most people who have RLS also have PLMD, sometimes called PLMS (PLM syndrome). This is when your leg or arm (most often your leg) jerks during sleep.
Like RLS, the cause of PLMD is not clear. It may have the same causes as RLS.
PLMD can happen every few seconds. This disturbs your sleep, although you may not be aware of it. As a rule, it happens in the first third of the night—during non-REM sleep (non-dreaming phase).
Some people with PLMD sleep right through the jerking movements and don’t need treatment. But if your sleep is disturbed, you may need to:
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How to treat PLMD
t ake medicines ordered by your doctor
Your doctor will tell you the best treatment for your sleep problem whether it be RLS, PLMD or both.
What to do about restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder
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PLMD is not uncomfortable but does cause restless sleep and daytime sleepiness. Some people with PLMD also have insomnia.
improve your sleep habits
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ive your legs a rest
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