What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an involuntary and sometimes overwhelming desire to move your legs, typically because of uncomfortable sensations in your feet, calves, and thighs. In this syndrome, discomforting sensations occur when you are inactive, sitting for a long time, or lying down. This is accompanied by a compulsion to move your legs. The discomfort is relieved with movement (pacing, moving your legs while sitting, tossing and turning in bed). The sensations may be itchy, crawly, pulling, burning or tingly, but they are temporarily relieved by moving the legs.
What causes RLS?
RLS is a common health problem during pregnancy. Studies show that RLS is two to three times higher in pregnant women than non-pregnant women, suggesting that a significant risk factor for RLS is pregnancy in which it may be triggered by low levels of iron and folic acid. While it is fortunately not life-threatening, severe cases may disrupt a person’s quality of life and daily activities, as the symptoms even awaken one from sleep.
RLS may begin at any age and can range from mild to severe. Severity varies in each individual. This is determined by the frequency of episodes, duration of each episode, and duration of the illness. For example, some people may have symptoms occasionally, while others may have them every day. Some others experience symptoms at night only. However, symptoms generally come and go during the early stages of RLS and become more frequent and severe with time.
What can you do about your RLS?
Self-management strategies and lifestyle changes have been shown to bring about improvement. Self-management strategies include:
- Moving your legs (relief may be temporary or disappear once the movement stops)
- Massaging your legs
- Participating in activities that distract your mind, such as reading or relaxation exercises
- Applying a hot or cold compress
- Stopping activities that worsen your symptoms
Lifestyle changes include:
- Avoiding the use of caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
- Exercising regularly during the day and avoiding exercise close to bedtime
- Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, and getting the amount of sleep you need to feel refreshed)
- Avoiding medications that trigger or worsen your symptoms (if you think your symptoms are related to medications, consult a health care provider before stopping them)
- Quitting smoking
If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with non-drug therapies, you may require medication. Typically, the RLS resolves a few days after delivery if you developed it in pregnancy. In some cases, it may persist after pregnancy. If your symptoms are really severe or unbearable, speak with your neurologist, as this is a neurological condition, to develop a treatment plan that will work best for you.