Restless legs syndrome
As many as one in 10 people may have trouble getting to sleep because they suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS).
People with RLS report feeling unpleasant sensations in their legs causing a compelling need to move the legs. Both legs are usually affected but it is possible to experience the sensations in only one leg.
The symptoms are often described as general uneasiness or discomfort, with tingling, itching, burning, crawling, or twitching sensations. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and while they can be felt at any time, they seem to occur more often when trying to get to sleep. Because the unpleasant sensations are relieved by movement, people with RLS tend to move their legs around a lot.
RLS can result in sleep deprivation and exhaustion if left untreated.
What causes restless legs syndrome?
The cause of RLS is not known, although it sometimes occurs in the presence of a wide range of other medical conditions, including iron-deficiency anaemia, kidney disease, diabetes and arthritis. However, most people with RLS are otherwise healthy.
RLS is more common in women and older people (but it can occur at any age). Some women experience RLS for the first time in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. The condition usually goes away after the baby is born.
Certain drugs, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, can increase leg restlessness in some people.
What is the treatment for restless legs syndrome?
The first steps your doctor will take in treating your RLS will be to make sure the diagnosis is accurate and address any factors that could possibly be causing the problem or making it worse. The symptoms of RLS need to be distinguished from arthritis pain, muscle cramps and the numbness associated with a peripheral neuropathy (a problem with the nerves). Discussion with your doctor will also help to determine whether any medicines you are taking could be contributing to the symptoms of RLS.
Successfully managing an underlying condition such as iron deficiency anaemia or diabetes can sometimes help relieve the symptoms of RLS.
Cutting back on, or eliminating, caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola and chocolate), nicotine and alcohol may help improve RLS. Also, participating in activities, such as playing video games or doing crossword puzzles, can sometimes help to mask the symptoms of RLS at times of boredom.
If your symptoms are severe and persistent, there are a number of medicines that might help. These include medicines more commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, as well as medicines such as codeine, tramadol and clonazepam. None of these medicines are registered in Australia for treating RLS, so they should only be considered after careful discussion with your doctor, and taken under medical supervision.
Recently, a medicine called ropinirole (brand name Repreve) was approved specifically for the treatment of RLS. This treatment has less severe side effects than some of the other RLS treatments, although it can cause nausea and some other side effects in some people.
Last Reviewed: 06 April 2008
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