Dealing With Resless Leg Syndrome

It happened one night when you sat down at your computer to play a game or two. You are on the second level of Zuma and all of a sudden you feel like something is crawling up your legs. Rubbing them seem to help for a minute or two, them the feeling is more intense and feels like it is coming from within your legs. Then, for no apparent reason, your legs start jumping on their own.

No, you don't turn into a green alien monster. If you did then you would have a reason for this happening to you. Well, you do, its called Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).

Restless Legs Syndrome is a central nervous system disorder (a disorder based in the brain or spinal column). It may have a genetic basis (meaning it sometimes runs in families), or be related to brain chemistry. Psychiatric conditions or stress may exacerbate RLS, but they do not cause RLS.

Nobody knows more than I do about the discomfort, sleepless nights, and irritability that RLS causes. I have to sleep during the day because I do not get enough sleep at night. Then I feel guilty for not being able to get enough done during the day. Yes, I do get a little snappy with the kids and grandkids. It is almost impossible for me to take long car rides or go shopping for very long because my legs just ache.

For the people who have mild symptoms the best thing to do before medication is prescribed is Home Treatments.

Try:
Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise may reduce symptoms. Avoiding long periods between activity or sudden bursts of intense activity may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor before starting a regular exercise program.

Heat or cold. Your symptoms may be relieved by bathing in very hot or very cold water. Applying a heating pad or ice bag to your legs may also help symptoms.

Changing your sleep schedule. Fatigue can make your symptoms worse. Since symptoms typically improve around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., try going to bed later than usual or allowing extra time for sleeping in to help you get the rest you need.

Stretching and massage. You may be able to control your symptoms by gently stretching and massaging your legs before bed or as discomfort begins.

Avoid:
Caffeine and alcohol. These may make your symptoms worse.

Certain drugs. It may help to avoid antidepressants, antihistamines, cold and sinus medicine, antipsychotic medicine, and certain antinausea drugs (metoclopramide or prochlorperazine). Taking products that contain these ingredients may make your symptoms worse. Your doctor needs to know what medicines you are taking in order to rule them out as a cause of your symptoms.

Being confined for long periods. Try to plan for situations where you will need to remain seated for long stretches. For example, if you are traveling by car, plan to make occasional stops so you can get out and walk around.

Excessive exercise. Although moderate exercise may help relieve symptoms, unusually intense workouts may make them worse. Try to identify at what level exercise helps and at what point it triggers restless legs syndrome.

When I was diagnosed with RLS from a sleep study, the doctor put me right on medication. This medication, which is one used to treat Parkinson's disease, caused side effects, as did with the next 8 or 9 medications. This is almost always a trial and error period to find what works for you.

There are only two prescription medications approved by the FDA for RLS. Those are Requip and Mirapex . About 10% of all Americans have RLS and it is seen in children and older adults.

What is the prognosis?

RLS is generally a life-long condition for which there is no cure. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age. Nevertheless, current therapies can control the disorder, minimizing symptoms and increasing periods of restful sleep. In addition, some patients have remissions, periods in which symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks, or months, although symptoms usually eventually reappear.

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support RLS research in laboratories at the NIH and at major medical institutions across the country. The goal of this research is to increase scientific understanding of RLS, find improved methods of diagnosing and treating the syndrome, and discover ways to prevent it.

There are alternative treatments out there for Restless Leg Syndrome. These methods have an extremely successful rate of relieving all conditions associated with RLS.

If you are a sufferer like I was, then it might be worth your time to check out some off the wall methods of dealing with this this "condition" that can drive you crazy. Life is too short to be tied down to RLS, so get control and live your life.