The restless leg syndrome is incurable – this is how to deal with symptoms

Restless legs (RLS), also known as Willis-ekbom diseaseis a neurological state that affects about 7% people.

Typical symptoms include an irresistible need to move your legs, next to the feeling of pain, creep, creep, itching, pulling or pulsing. Up to the age of 35 is a state Equally common in men and women, but after this age RLS affects twice as much as the number women than men.

The condition of each person is classified as bland, moderate, bulky or very earnest according to International scale of assessmentwhich measures the influence of RLS on limb discomfort and sleep disturbance, as well as the frequency of symptoms.

RLS symptoms have a 24-hour cycle known as A Circadian rhythm. Symptoms tend to peak at night, coinciding with the body Increase in the edition of melatonin. Melatonin reduces dopamine – brain chemicals that affects movement and mood – to assist us sleep, but because dopamine helps to control muscles, low dopamine levels can cause involuntary movements.

Is No test for RLS. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history. The basic RLS operate in families – they are genetic Links to The number of chromosomes. RLS has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, which means you need only one “defective” copy to present symptoms. However, some cases develop without a known reason.

Other people can develop “secondary” RLS as a result of other conditions such as Iron deficiency anemiaIN Chronic kidney diseaseIN diabetesIN Parkinson’s diseaseIN rheumatoid arthritisIN Underpressing thyroidAND fibromyalgia. While the original RLS is more common than secondary, the latter is usually stronger and progresses faster.

Risk factors

Age seems to be a RLS risk factor. In 2000 A test found that 10% of adults aged 30 to 79 have RL, increasing to 19% of people over 80 years senior. However, understanding of this condition has improved since this study, so these numbers are probably higher – especially in children, where Some Symptoms of RLS In the past, they were confused with “growing pain” or ADHD.

Women have an increased chance of developing RLS. About one in five women At some point they suffer from restless legs, and some studies suggest the same One in three women They are affected. Women are More likely suffer Other coexistant which affect the central nervous system, such as Anxiety, depression AND migrainewhich can be associated with the development of RLS.

Pregnancy is another risk factor. The further you go on the trimester, the greater the chance of touching RLS – with 8%, 16% and 22% of women suffering by their first, second and third trimester. A lot of pregnancies increases risk of RLS associated with pregnancyand studies have shown that women who gave birth Higher incidence of RLS In later life, compared to women of the same age who did not give birth.

Obesity It is also considered a RLS risk factor. One study showed that every raise in body mass index 5 kg/m² increased the likelihood of RLS development by 31%.

Triggers and treatments

Studies showed smoking and alcohol consumption Grease RLSSo Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and drinking alcohol can assist deal with symptoms.

Research also found This exercise and stretching is beneficial to alleviate or reduce symptoms – although Research participants Suggest that morning exercises are more effective in improving symptoms, and evening exercises can worsen restless legs. Patients with secondary RL forms, lower BMI and less severe cases can bring the greatest benefits From lifestyle changes to symptoms.

Treatment of basic problems can also alleviate or reduce some symptoms. For example, iron deficiency anemia reduces Dopamine levels that can lead to restless legs. Iron supplements can benefit Some suffering – but evidence It is mixed, so supplements will not assist everyone.

As for medicines, studies have shown that neurological therapies such as anti -abominations gabapentine – usually prescribed as epilepsy treatment – can improve symptoms and in general Quality of life For people suffering from restless legs. These therapies objective Nerve cells in the brain, reduction their activity.

Other drugs – known as dopamine agonists – Activate dopamine receptors in the brain control traffic. They are primarily used as treatment In the case of Parkinson’s disease and are effective in managing symptoms RLS. However, they can disturb your sleep pattern and can Increase impulse control disordersAnd they are not Recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as they can brake.

Although there may be no cure for RLS, there is hope for suffering people – and the options for managing and reducing symptoms.