Diagnosing Restless Legs Syndrome
Detection and diagnosis of RLS is still difficult. Many health care professionals are not familiar with RLS and may not recognize the common, associated symptoms. Many people who have been diagnosed as suffering from RLS have had to visit numerous physicians and specialists before being correctly diagnosed. A sign which points to RLS may be that movement of the affected limb relieves the discomfort. Most people who seek medical attention for their symptoms are middle aged or older. Many of them report long histories of restlessness and pain, sometimes stretching back to childhood.
RLS Coping Strategies
Here are some strategies to help cope with restless legs syndrome:
1. Don?t try to hide your RLS movements, it only makes them worse.
2. Describe your situation to your family, friends, physicians, and anyone who will be performing services for you.
3. Begin and end each day with leg stretching exercises as appropriate for your health condition.
4. Consider sleeping late in the early morning hours when your legs are less active, or take an afternoon nap if it suits your schedule.
4. Soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower which may relieve jumping legs temporarily.
5. Raise your desk and computer to counter height with a matching tall stool.
6. Place a folding bookstand on a high counter or shelf to hold reading material when you need to stand up.
7. Select an aisle seat at the movies or theatre to provide an easy exit near the back of the room if you need to stand.
8. Consider listening to books on tape. Time spent walking may be less frustrating when listening to a favourite author.
9. Plan travel hours when symptoms are least severe.
10. Extend driving time to allow for frequent stops.
11. For long air flights, plan a layover to allow for a stretching break.
12. Consider staying at a Bed & Breakfast lodging for more room to walk.
RLS Treatment Options
There are treatment options for people suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Some measures which may relieve pain include leg massages, hot baths, heat or icepacks, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers, and the elimination of caffeine. As well, regular sleep habits and exercise, especially earlier in the day, will help people enjoy more restful sleep. Vitamin E and calcium supplements have helped some people, although this has not yet been proven to be effective.
Medication Used To Treat RLS
A large number of medications have been tried for RLS and PLMS over the past several centuries. Some primary treatment options that are currently being used in North America are: Dopaminergic agents (either regular l-dopa/carbidopa, Sinemet, or sustained release compounds, Sinemet CR), Benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, Rivotril, temazepam Restoril, and Triazolam Halcion), and Opioids (including codeine, propoxyphene, oxycodone and pentazocine).
Definition of Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - also known as Ekbom Syndrome, Wittmaack-Ekbom Syndrome, and Anxieties Tibialis - is characterized by a crawling sensation or unexplained feelings of tingling and twitching beneath the skin, usually between the thighs and ankles, which results in an irresistable desire to move the affected limb(s).
Relieving RLS Symptoms
Any type of physical exercise that involves moving the legs can often help relieve the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Consequences Of Restless Legs Syndrome
The sensations experienced with restless legs syndrome cause intense discomfort, make sleeping next to impossible, and create an irresistible urge to move the legs in order to relieve that discomfort. Many victims spend their evenings and nights pacing the floor. It can also make travelling -- short or long distance -- a difficult process. People afflicted with RLS may not be able to describe their symptoms, or not even realize that these symptoms are related to a definite syndrome. Instead, people suffer quietly for years, thinking and hoping that the discomfort may one day just go away.
Treatment That Works
The best treatment can often be arrived at only by active, experimental cooperation between physician and patient and may require revision over time as symptoms and response undergo changes.