What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome, or Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition mainly triggered by an unpleasant sensation that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs to temporarily relieve the uncomfortable feeling. It normally occurs in the nighttime or late hours when you are lying down.

In most cases, this condition typically worsens with age and can even become a hindrance to your daily routines. However, with the right lifestyle modifications, it is possible to relieve these symptoms. This article looks at the effective RLS treatment options offered by the best vein & vascular specialists in Weston, FL.

Characteristics of Restless Leg Syndrome

The severity of RLS symptoms is mainly dependent on their severity, such that symptoms sometimes disappear for some time. Nonetheless, the most common symptom is the irresistible urge to move your legs along with other symptoms that include:

An unpleasant sensation that lessens with walking, pacing, or stretching.
An uncomfortable sensation that worsens after sitting or lying down for long periods of time.
A condition that causes your legs to kick and twitch, especially while asleep. Periodic limb movement.
The sensation of RLS mainly occurs at night time.

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

There is no known cause for the Restless Leg Syndrome. Still, medical researchers believe the condition is mainly triggered by an imbalance of dopamine, a brain chemical whose main function is to send information to control muscle movement. Other causes of RLS include:

1. Heredity

Researchers have spotted areas on the chromosomes where genes for RLS may be located, especially in people around the age of 40.

2. Pregnancy

Hormonal imbalances or pregnancy can periodically worsen RLS signs and symptoms. For example, some pregnant women get RLS symptoms during their final trimester but these symptoms often disappear after delivery.

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

In most cases, RLS symptoms normally happen on both sides of the body. However, there are other rare cases where RLS symptoms affect the arms and are accompanied by the following sensations:

Itching
Electric
Throbbing
Pulling
Aching
Creeping
Crawling

Possible Complications

Despite the fact that RLS does not generally result in other severe health complications, many people with RLS symptoms describe the condition as an unpleasant desire to frequently move their legs. Severe cases of RLS can cause incapacitating conditions such as Insomnia, which results in depression and abnormal daytime drowsiness.

Treatment Options for Restless Leg Syndrome

Currently, there is no cure for RLS, but with appropriate medical care, it is possible to live an active and healthy life. Your doctor will offer you suitable treatment options in accordance with the severity of your symptoms. They might also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercises, massage, and diet changes to help you ease pain and prevent the recurrence of your RLS symptoms. Furthermore, a medical team may work closely with you to help you improve your sleep habits.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a long-lasting solution to your RLS signs and symptoms? Then, you should consult with our board-certified cardiologist, Ariel Soffer, FACC, MD, and the highly skilled medical team at Soffer Health Institute. With our customized treatment options and on-site evaluations, we will guarantee relief and a better night’s sleep.

To schedule a free consultation for your RLS problem, feel free to call our Soffer Health Institute offices in Aventura, Hialeah, and Weston, Florida, or schedule an appointment online today.