Restless Leg Syndrome Information

Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by uncomfortable and hard to describe sensations in the legs.

The sensations present themselves during periods where there is a lack of leg movement, like a long car ride, plane ride, while sitting at a desk, watching TV, or in bed. The sufferer gets temporary relief by leg movement, but the sensation returns within seconds, thus requiring repeated motion---hence the name, "Restless Legs." The cycle can literally last for hours, and many sufferers actually fall asleep exhausted with the symptoms following them into their sleep.

Restless Leg Syndrome does not ever go away, and the symptoms almost always worsen with age. There are, however, inexplicable periods of time where you might be symptom free, but these occasions tend to occur earlier in the onset.

The primary symptom of Restless Leg Syndrome is an uncomfortable sensation which is felt primarily in the legs, although it can also be felt in the feet, thighs, hands, and arms too. Anyone who suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome will tell you that the sensation is hard to describe, and while not exactly painful, it is very unpleasant. I have heard the sensations described as creeping, crawling, itching, pressure, or tingling (not the same kind of tingling you get when your foot goes to sleep). None of those adjectives really fit, but I am also at a loss for a way to describe it better.

Because the symptoms present themselves during periods of rest, it profoundly affects the sleep. This prompts a number of, what I will call, ancillary symptoms---all of them related to a lack of restful sleep. These include irritability, an inability to focus, fatigue, and even depression.

You may also find it interesting to know that Attention Deficit Disorder is common among sufferers of Restless Leg Syndrome. Check out my article on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for more information on how to cope with ADD, as some of the tricks you use to cope with your ADD will overlap with those that are used to help control the symptoms of your RLS. That's what I call a 'two-fer.'

The exact cause of Restless Leg Syndrome is not known.

But that doesn't mean that researchers are not busy working on it. In 2007, researchers discovered a gene variant for Restless Leg Syndrome, meaning that you can be genetically predisposed to RLS. Yup. It runs in families. So, not only did you have the good fortune to inherit Granny Erline's red hair, you also had the misfortune to receive her Restless Leg Syndrome too.

Restless Leg Syndrome can also result from another condition, which, when present worsens the underlying RLS. There is a relationship between osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and Restless Leg Syndrome. Pregnant women will frequently develop RLS symptoms during the pregnancy.

In 20% of all cases, the sufferer is anemic or has an iron deficiency.

There is no known cure for Restless Leg Syndrome. That does not mean, however, that there aren't some tricks we can use to combat the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Like everything else, it seems, it always starts with a healthy diet and proper exercise.

Restless Leg Syndrome, as we have already discussed, is often associated with an iron deficiency. You should not, at this point, dash off and self-prescribe an iron supplement, as too much iron can also present serious health issues. Instead, consult with your physician for an accurate iron level assessment, then, if necessary, discuss the need for an iron supplement regimen.

If your symptoms are severe, you may also want to discuss drug options with your physician that can provide Restless Leg Syndrome relief.

Do work on consuming the required daily allowance of iron through your diet. When planning your diet, remember that there are two kinds of iron: Heme Iron, which is more readily absorbed by your body and Non-Heme Iron, which requires an enhancer for better absorption. I have provided some tables which show some Heme and Non-Heme Iron food sources, along with some examples of food enhancers if you choose to eat the Non-Heme Iron sources. Food choices to avoid are: spinach, chard, beet greens, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, whole grains, bran and soy products as they act as inhibitors to Heme-Iron absorption.

Another great tool for Restless Leg Syndrome relief is proper stretching of the legs. The best exercise I have found for this is to stand up straight with feet placed slightly apart. Bend slowly at the waist and reach for the ground keeping your legs slightly bent. Try to touch your toes! Hold the position for for about 20 seconds, then return to a standing position. Repeat this exercise at least 3 times. This exercise has actually, at times, given me hours of peaceful rest.

Avoid antihistamines and alcohol as they do, without question, aggravate the symptoms.

Massaging the legs will also help, and I've also had success with placing small bean bags on my legs that have been placed in the freezer or warmed in the microwave for a minute or so---It doesn't seem to matter; either hot or cold seems to work.