Can't Sit Still? Learning About Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome primarily affects the legs as a person rests, like when they’re sitting trying to watch a movie or laying in bed trying to fall asleep. Typically considered a neurological disorder, restless leg syndromes can send uncomfortable sensations to the nerves of the leg, making it hard to sit still long enough to take a car ride or even sleep at night. 

What is Restless Leg Syndrome? 

This syndrome primarily affects the legs when a patient is resting. They may be seated and trying to relax with a movie, or lying in bed and waiting for sleep. The condition is considered a neurological disorder because it involves uncomfortable sensations in the nerves of the leg, also known as Dysesthesias. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that symptoms typically occur in the late afternoon and evening, but they’re most severe when the person is trying to sleep. The sensations can make it impossible to sit in a car for more than a few minutes or fall asleep. Most patients have to continually move their legs to relieve the nerve sensations that drive them crazy, preventing proper rest and providing the name of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). 

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome 

Despite the name, RLS doesn’t only affect your legs. The same sensations can occur in the arms and hands too. Common symptoms of RLS are:

• Discomfort in the limbs in the form of tingling, burning, cramping, or itching
• Insect-like crawling sensations
• Feeling tension or the need to move
• Constant waking in the night due to leg sensations of the need to get up
• Inability to sit, stand still, or lie down for more than half an hour at a time
• Relief in leg sensations when swinging the limbs, flexing the muscles, or pacing around the room

What Causes RLS? 

Restless leg syndrome can have several different causes. The Cleveland Clinic explains that RLS can be caused by: 

• Genetics
• Low levels of iron
• Uremia 
• Hypothyroidism
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia 
• Parkinson’s disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy
• Dialysis 

Additionally, they explain, certain medications can make RLS worse. These medications are antidepressants, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medication, and more. Further, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can also make symptoms worse. 

Risks of RLS

Over the years there have been certain risk factors identified with this disorder. Some of the risks can’t be changed, but others can be through lifestyle choices. The risk of getting RLS can be determined by:

• Gender – women tend to have a higher risk than men
• Age – though it can develop in childhood, it’s more common in middle-aged adults 
• Medications – like antidepressants and antihistamines 
• Sleep deprivation – RLS can affect your quality of sleep which can worsen symptoms 
• Pregnancy – hormonal changes can cause more restless symptoms  
• Genetics – RLS can be passed down from parents to kids 

Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome 

Sometimes a specific nerve compression can be the cause of your RLS. In this case, that specific nerve will be treated. However, more often than not, most treatment plans aim to control your symptoms. Treatment options can include:

• Massage to relieve muscle tension from stress and fatigue 
• Chiropractic adjustment to help misalignment that could be the cause
• Electrostimulation for overactive nerves
• Stretches and physical therapy to keep the muscles from twitching and cramping 
• Nutritional supplements 
• Peripheral neuropathy treatment 

We all have busy schedules, which means it is already hard for most of us to get a full eight hours of sleep each night. If you have RLS, you know that it’s even more difficult to get a full night’s rest. If you can’t find a comfortable position at night, or can’t stay asleep, make an appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy to see if you are suffering from RLS. 

What Your Visit Will Be Like 

When you arrive for your first visit, Dr. Atencio or another member of our team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information will help us know how significant your restless legs and feet problem is and how best to help you. As you get started with a treatment plan for your restless legs and feet, we will most likely give you some at home tips to be aware of. The Team at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center has a lot of experience with restless legs and feet, but we will also need your participation in your care for the best results.

Make an Appointment Now

If you are suffering from RLS, call our team at (512)-806-0015 today to get help now. We provide specialized treatment plans to help RLS that will help you manage your symptoms and improve your condition.