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Restless Leg Syndrome
what is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is characterized by a feeling of uneasiness and “creepy crawly” sensations, Sensations set in when patients attempt to relax. Left untreated, RLS leads to fatigue, exhaustion and in rare cases nerve damage.
what happens when I sleep?
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome range from mildly uncomfortable to the intolerable. Some patients report symptoms growing worse over time and generally are at their most intense at night when trying to relax. Symptoms are difficult to describe as their sensation varies based on patient viewpoint. It’s often described as a feeling of pins and needles deep in the legs.
am I at risk?
The specific causes of RLS are not known. It was once believed to be connected to a disease in the blood vessels or nerves that control leg movement but both of those suggestions have been rejected. RLS is sometimes linked to an underlying medical condition, but in many cases the cause remains unclear.
Conditions related to RLS include:
- Parkinson's Disease
- Varicose veins
- Tumors
- Fibromyalgia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Kidney disease
- Smoking
- Amyloidosis
- Lyme disease
- Arthritis
For more information about the various treatment plans available to patients who have been diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome, contact your Bon Secours physician.
