Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences an uncontrollable urge to move their legs due to an uncomfortable sensation in the legs. This happens often in the nighttime while resting, sitting down or laying down. RLS can occur to people of any age group, but the disease worsens with increase in age. It can be experienced in arms or the whole body. The sensations experienced can be tugging, crawling, itching, aching, etc. Arizona Neurology and Sleep Center specializes in Restless Leg Syndrome treatment in Arizona.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms and Causes
The various symptoms of RLS include:
- Uncomfortable sensations in legs while sitting still for longer periods.
- Sleep disruption due to the constant urge to move to relieve the discomfort.
- Relief from movement only lasts temporarily.
- Discomfort worsens in the evening.
- Irritability, moodiness and tiredness in the day due to restless sleep.
RLS doesn’t have a fixed cause. It can have genetic causes in most cases where RLS is diagnosed before 45 years of age. It can be acquired during pregnancy. Various other causes include iron deficiency, depression, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, etc.
Treatment Methods
Treatment of RLS is chosen with reference to the intensity of symptoms. Non-medication options like getting regular exercise, focusing on developing good sleep habits, avoiding caffeinated products, etc. can help lower the intensity of the symptoms. Iron supplements, magnesium supplements etc, can improve the physical condition of the body. Medications that improve dopamine levels in the brain are also used. Visit Arizona Sleep Center for the best Restless Leg Syndrome doctors in Arizona.