Restless Leg Syndrome Doesn’t Have to Keep You Up at Night
Do you find yourself climbing into bed at the end of a long day, looking forward to stretching out and relaxing, but plagued by odd sensations in your legs that make it impossible to get comfortable and fall asleep? You might be among the 10% of Americans living with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease. RLS is a sleep-related movement disorder characterized by overwhelming and sometimes uncontrollable urges to move the legs while at rest that make it difficult to relax or sleep.
RLS is a disorder of the nervous system in the lower body. It affects both men and women, although women are more at risk. Symptoms of RLS include sensations often described as:
- tingling
- itching
- throbbing
- aching
- jerking
- creepy-crawling
In most cases, symptoms arise while in bed late at night or early in the morning, but it is common for them to appear during long stretches of sitting as well, making plane rides, car trips, and movies challenging. Symptoms may be consistent or intermittent - that is, they may occur regularly, or they may appear often for weeks or months at a time, then disappear for a while for no easily identifiable reason. Many RLS sufferers temporarily relieve their discomfort by stretching, flexing, pacing, walking, and jiggling or rubbing their legs.
Most cases of RLS are not directly attributable to any single cause; however, some risk factors have been identified:
- health issues including diabetesand peripheral neuropathy
- medications including those for depression and other mental health issues
- pregnancy, especially during the last trimester
If you are concerned about Restless Leg Syndrome or anything else related to the health and well-being of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, your podiatrist can help with a variety of recommendations and treatment options. The best place to begin is with a call to schedule an appointment. With years of specialized education and experience, your foot doctor will carefully examine your feet, make an accurate diagnosis, work with you to create an individualized treatment plan, and offer appropriate follow up.
Call Advanced Feet and Ankle Care at (732) 679-4330 today for a convenient appointment with Jason Grossman, DPM in our comfortable Old Bridge or Sayreville offices.