Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of restless leg syndrome is still not clear. It is seen inherited in some cases. Certain risks factors have been put forth, these are use of certain medications and pregnancy. Restless leg syndrome can also be associated with certain other medical conditions like Iron deficiency, varicose vein, thyroid disorder, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical presentation
Restless leg syndrome is divided into two categories Primary and secondary. Primary restless leg syndrome begins slowly.The symptoms can be mild or severe. Involuntary movement of the lower extremity is the cardinal symptoms. They are usually worse at evening or at night.In some cases it is seen that the symptoms disappear for sometimes and can reoccur after certain period of time. Various sensations can be felt like crawling, itching and burning. At times muscle cramps and numbness can also be felt. In some cases the complaints are relieved by walking, exercising or by stretching the legs. Restless leg syndrome does not cause any complications however it can lead to Sleep disturbance, hamper day to day activity and also lead to psychological disturbance like irritability
Investigations
There is no diagnostic test for confirmation of the restless leg syndrome. Diagnosis can be confirmed by the symptoms narrated by the patient. Certain criteria’s have been put forth for confirming the diagnosis, these includes
- Urge to move the legs
- Unusual sensation like burning, crawling
- Aggravation of complaints on rest or sleep
- Temporary amelioration of complaints on walking or exercising
Treatment
Administrations of medications which will relief the complaints are the first line of treatment. Exercises like walking and stretching of legs have found to be effective.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Acupuncture which is the science of insertion of fine needles on the certain stimulating spots on the body can also be effective.
Recent update:
As per the article given in medindia, a nationally-recognized sleep expert has published an editorial describing that restless leg syndrome can be a biomarker for some underlying disease.
