'Fidgety' is a term often used to describe people who are restless. They're jumpy, discomposed, and unable to control their reflexes, especially under stress or boredom. While mostly harmless, in certain cases, being fidgety may also indicate a health problem like Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a condition characterised by a constant urge to move your legs.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific test for RLS, and diagnosing the condition just with the help of the symptoms can be difficult, which is why a doctor's evaluation is a must. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the condition is key. Therefore, we spoke to Dr Amit Agarwal, Consultant - Neurologist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, to understand the condition in detail and learn all about its management strategies.
Also Read: Restless Legs Syndrome: Know Symptoms, Causes And Risk Factors For This Common Problem
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Dr Agarwal describes RLS as a neurological disorder that leads to uncomfortable sensations in the legs and causes an irresistible urge to move them. “People with RLS often experience sensations such as crawling, itching, tingling, or aching deep within their legs, typically in the evening or at night when at rest,” he adds, sharing that moving the legs temporarily relieves these sensations.
According to StatPearls Publishing, the condition affects between 5 and 15% of the general population, with women being more at risk than men.
Common Symptoms To Watch Out For
Besides uncomfortable sensations, such as itching, tingling, crawling, burning, or aching deep within the legs, RLS can also be detected through various other signs. These include:
- An irresistible urge to move the legs.
- Only partial and temporary relief by moving the legs.
- Worsening symptoms in the evening or at night, particularly when sitting or lying down.
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns.
- The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may fluctuate over time, with periods of improvement followed by exacerbations.
- Symptoms may affect daily activities and impact the quality of life.
Who Is At Risk?
According to Dr Agarwal, the exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke suggests that RLS often runs in families and that specific gene variants have been associated with the condition. Additionally, low iron levels in the brain could also contribute to the condition, the health body adds.
Research also suggests that some women develop RLS during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. In fact, 11-29% of pregnant women can be affected by the condition, as per StatPearls Publishing.
“Factors such as ageing, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation may also contribute to the development or worsening of RLS symptoms,” Dr Agarwal adds.
Also Read: Restless Leg Syndrome: Nutrients Needed To Ease The Pain
How To Manage Restless Leg Syndrome?
While there is no cure for RLS, the symptom can be managed through various means and methods. These include:
- Engaging in moderate physical activity regularly, such as walking or swimming.
- Maintaining regular sleep patterns and practising good sleep hygiene.
- Identifying and avoiding substances or activities that may worsen RLS symptoms, such as caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications.
- Iron supplements are under medical supervision.
- Gentle massage or stretching exercises before bedtime.
- Taking a warm bath or using heat packs on the legs.
- Learning techniques to control muscle tension and relaxation.
- Yoga and meditation to reduce stress and improve overall well-being
Conclusion
RLS can be an uncomfortable condition that is difficult to diagnose initially. However, paying attention to the symptoms and visiting a doctor can help detect the problem. While there is no cure, effective strategies can help manage RLS. Women, particularly those who are pregnant, and people with low iron levels should be vigilant. Moreover, if you have a family history of the condition, it is best to get yourself examined for the condition too.