Restless Leg Syndrome is a sensory neurological disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet that cause a desire to move the legs involuntarily, and it often occurs at night or when sleeping.triathlon.
What causes restless leg syndrome?
The exact cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown but has been linked to a number of different factors:
Iron deficiency and poor iron transport throughout the body.
Chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy.
Pregnancy – especially in the last three months. Symptoms usually go away within a month after giving birth.
Medications such as anti-nausea, antipsychotics and some antidepressants.
Lifestyle triggers can include sleep disturbances, excessive smoking, caffeine intake, lack of exercise, and stress.
Symptoms of restless leg syndrome
Symptoms include cramps, pain, or the sensation of periodic “jerk” movement in the calf or feet during sleep that can vary in severity from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Symptoms appear or get worse during periods of inactivity, and are relieved by moving or rubbing the legs Due to the most common effects of being symptoms at night, they can cause difficulty sleeping.
Restless leg syndrome treatment
In order to relieve an episode of restless leg syndrome, it is worth trying leg stretching movements and exercises that help relieve symptoms.
Avoid heavy weights or strain the muscles, but try changing positions, walking, light stretches, and gently moving the ankles up and down.
Placing a heat pack or cold compress on the symptomatic area for 10 minutes can relieve symptoms.
How to prevent restless leg syndrome
This depends a lot on the individual cause. Restless leg syndrome that is not related to an underlying medical condition can be managed with a few lifestyle changes:
Regular daily aerobic exercise of moderate intensity for 20-30 minutes, including walking, cycling or swimming.
A regular exercise program that includes lower body resistance training Gentle yoga and Pilates can also be a great adjunct to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, to improve and maintain lower extremity flexibility and stability and prevent muscle tension Avoid high intensity exercise and exercise close to bedtime.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine.
-stop smoking.
Good sleep habits and a regular sleep routine.
Manage stress Try relaxation techniques before bed.
– Supplement any vitamin deficiencies; If there is evidence of iron, magnesium or folic acid deficiency, this should be addressed.
In more severe cases, or when lifestyle changes do not affect symptoms, a variety of medications may be prescribed.
There is no single drug that has been shown to prevent restless leg syndrome, however it has been shown that medications that affect dopamine transmission in the central nervous system, and other medications that can help prevent restless legs include central nervous system depressants.
