Do you know anyone who is always restless?
To sit or stand at one place is literally impossible for them and they keep on moving their body or shaking their legs on a constant basis. Their movement certainly adds a bit discomfort to others. I personally have found it difficult to make a connection or talk on serious topics when the person is constantly on the move. But if you think from their side, it is very much possible that to stop this physical movement is literally impossible for them.
Restless legs syndrome or RLS is a condition where a person gets irresistible urge to move legs especially in the evening. In this condition, legs become sensitive and it adds lots of discomfort. Walking, stretching or any leg movement helps temporarily to relieve this unpleasant feelings and that is preciously the reason that they keep on moving their legs or in other words, they are always restless.
Let’s talk in detail about this condition;
- In this condition, legs start feeling restless while resting such as lying down or sitting for a long period of time. The problem becomes worse while travelling in a car/plane or watching movie in cinema hall etc. where one needs to sit for a longer period of time. Further, it adds lot of discomfort and since walking is not an option at such places, people would keep on moving their legs to reduce unpleasant feelings in legs.
- Restlessness is felt in the limb rather than on the skin. It is very different than a muscle pull or numbness. The sensations are described as crawling, creeping, burning, itching, tingling, aching, throbbing, pulling etc. However most of the people are not able to describe it properly. RLS worsens in the evening and gives most trouble at night.
- Another commonly observed condition is Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) in which repetitive limb movements occur during sleep and it disrupts sleep. It involves movements like flapping of legs, jerking, cracking knuckles etc. It gives urge to punch or kick legs. It disrupts sleep and in turn makes person lethargic and sleepy in the day time. Lack of sleep gradually increases irritability, lack of concentration, boredom, depression. It’s advisable to treat this condition at the earliest. RLS and PLMD have similar symptoms and can occur together. However they are distinct conditions and require different tests for diagnosis. Sometime treatment can also differ.
- RLS is primarily a neurological disorder which can happen at any age and usually worsens as you age. It is directly connected to the conditions like sleep apnea, stoke and spinal cord injuries. It is difficult to find exact reason behind the occurrence of RLS. According to some research it can be passed by hereditary. However usage of drugs like antidepressants, anti-seizures can also contribute to this condition.
What can one done in this condition:
- Try applying heating pad or icepack on the legs to get relief. Similarly hot/cold shower can also help reducing discomfort.
- Take massage regularly especially on feet.
- Try to reduce consumption of caffeine. Consume tea, coffee, chocolate, coke, energy drinks etc in moderation.
- Stop smoking
- Reduce intake of alcohol
- Check your iron level. According to few studies, low level of iron can also contribute to RLS. And taking irons supplements have shown beneficial results.
- According to few neurologists, illnesses associated with stress and anxiety could be the reason behind RLS. Meditate regularly to reduce stress. Yoga, breathing exercises will also help.
As this situation worsens with age, it becomes utmost important to get proper diagnosis and take treatment at the right time.
I have observed in my practise, whatever situation it might be, lifestyle changes always help in a big way.