Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Restless Legs Syndrome

What is RLS (restless leg syndrome)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:39:08 +0000

Answered: What are some tips to help with restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:38:52 +0000

You can take action to lessen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and to sleep better:

Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for at least several hours before bedtime.
Review all the medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) with your doctor.
Exercise every day.
Stretch your legs at the beginning and end of each day.
Massage your legs regularly.
Avoid eating a heavy meal close to bedtime.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Avoid daytime naps.
Use your bed only for sleeping or sex.
Try not to use bedtime as worry time.
Have your blood tested for iron levels and kidney function.
Soak your legs in warm water.

Answered: How severe is restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:37:40 +0000

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms range from mild to intolerable. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and night and less severe in the morning. While usually quite mild in young adults, by age 50 RLS symptoms may cause severe nightly sleep disruption.

Answered: Can restless legs syndrome turn into something more serious?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:37:06 +0000

Most people with restless legs syndrome have the "idiopathic" form, meaning there's no known cause. For them, there is no risk of RLS developing into something more serious, like Parkinson's disease.

Restless legs syndrome can get worse in people with other medical conditions if they don't get those conditions treated.

Answered: What is restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:29:00 +0000

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects movement of the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

Answered: How does iron relate to restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:27:14 +0000

Not enough iron in the diet is one cause of restless legs syndrome. Taking iron pills may improve RLS in these people.

Even in people who are not anemic and have normal iron levels, iron levels may be involved. Studies show a "brain iron deficiency" in many people with restless legs syndrome. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements even if a person's iron levels are within normal range. However, too much iron can lead to liver damage and other health problems.

Answered: What can I do to help me deal with restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:26:16 +0000

Work with your doctor. A different drug or combinations of drugs are often necessary to control symptoms.
Join a support group. www.rls.org can get you started.
If you feel overwhelmed by RLS, talk with someone who treats mental health, like a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Answered: How can I ease my restless legs syndrome symptoms to get a good night sleep?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:25:29 +0000

Cut down on caffeine.
Cut down on alcohol.
Stop smoking, or at least cut back.
Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including weekends.
Exercise regularly, but moderately (heavy exercise can make symptoms worse).
Apply heat or ice, or soak in a hot bath.

Answered: Does restless legs syndrome ever go away?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:23:50 +0000

There are some cases of restless legs syndrome disappearing on its own. But this is rare. Instead, for most people symptoms get worse over time.

For people with RLS symptoms caused by a medical condition, treatment of that condition can improve their RLS.

Answered: What can trigger restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:19:30 +0000

Possible triggers of RLS include:

Medication
Being still
Lack of sleep
Alcohol
Caffeine
Smoking
Exercising too hard
Stress
Temperature, especially extremes
Refined sugar
Clothing, certain fabrics or too tight

Answered: When should I see a doctor about my restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:04:37 +0000

You should see a doctor if RLS is causing problems in your life. Only you can decide if that is happening. You should also see a doctor if you are:

You don't have to wait until one of these things happens. If you just want to feel better, see your doctor.

Losing a lot fo sleep
Feeling depressed or anxious
Having trouble concentrating

Answered: What conditions are linked to restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:04:10 +0000

Many medical conditions are linked to RLS, including iron deficiency, diabetes, end-stage kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, and pregnancy. But most people with restless legs syndrome do not have one of these conditions. If you have one of these conditions, treating it can improve RLS symptoms.

Answered: Who's most likely to get restless legs syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:03:48 +0000

About 10% of people have restless legs syndrome, also called RLS. About 2% to 3% of them have moderate to severe symptoms that affect their quality of life. Also:

Slightly more women than men get it.
Most people with severe RLS are middle-aged or older.
Children do not get RLS.
People with RLS in their family usually get it at a younger age.

Answered: Can exercise help relieve the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:03:29 +0000

Regular, mild exercise during the day may help. Take a short walk or try some simple stretching exercises before bed. Be careful you don't exercise too hard, even if it's early in the day. Too much or too vigorous exercise can make your RLS symptoms worse.

Answered: What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:03:04 +0000

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

Answered: What medications do doctors use to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:02:08 +0000

The following medications are the most widely prescribed to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). They may be given alone or, in certain cases, in combination. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment plan for you.

Dopamine agonists: These are most often the first medicines used to treat RLS. These drugs, including pramipexole (Mirapex), rotigotine (Neupro), and ropinirole (Requip), act like the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Side effects include daytime sleepiness, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Dopaminergic agents: These drugs, including Sinemet -- a combination of levodopa and carbidopa -- increase the level of dopamine in the brain and may improve leg sensations in RLS. However, they may cause a worsening of symptoms for some people after daily use. Side effects can also include nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and involuntary movements (dyskinesias).
Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and temazepam (Restoril), are sedatives. They do not so much relieve symptoms as help you sleep through the symptoms.
Opiates: These drugs are most often used to treat pain, but they can also relieve RLS symptoms. Because opiates are very addictive, they are usually used only when other drugs don't work. Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco) is one example.
Anticonvulsants: These agents, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), may help relieve the symptoms of RLS as well as any chronic pain or nerve pain.
Alpha2 agonists: These agents stimulate alpha2 receptors in the brain stem. This activates nerve cells (neurons) that "turn down" the part of the nervous system that controls muscle involuntary movements and sensations. The drug clonidine (Catapres) is an example.

Answered: What are the first steps in treating restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:01:37 +0000

The first line of defense against restless legs syndrome (RLS) is to avoid substances or foods that may be causing or worsening the problem. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. This may help relieve your symptoms. In addition, review all medications you are taking with your doctor to determine if any of these drugs could be causing the problem.

Any underlying medical conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson's disease, should be treated. Dietary supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiency may be recommended. For some people, these treatments are all that is needed to relieve RLS symptoms.

You may also benefit from physical therapy and self-care treatments, such as stretching, taking hot or cold baths, whirlpool baths, applying hot or cold packs to the affected area, limb massage, or vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes before bedtime. Exercise and relaxation techniques also may be helpful.

Answered: Is there a cure for restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:01:06 +0000

Although there is no cure for restless legs syndrome, current treatments can help control the condition, decrease symptoms, and improve sleep.

Answered: Who gets restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:00:19 +0000

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may affect up to 10% of the U.S. population. It affects both sexes, but is more common in women and may begin at any age, even in young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.

RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This is especially true if the symptoms are intermittent or mild. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.

Answered: What drugs are used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:59:58 +0000

Drugs used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) include:

Dopaminergic drugs, which act on the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Mirapex, Neupro, and Requip are FDA-approved for treatment of moderate to severe RLS. Others, such as levodopa, may also be prescribed.
Benzodiazepines, a class of sedative medications, may be used to help with sleep, but they can cause daytime drowsiness.
Narcotic pain relievers may be used for severe pain.
Anticonvulsants, or antiseizure drugs, such as Tegretol, Lyrica, Neurontin, and Horizant.

Answered: What other factors may trigger symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:59:28 +0000

Other factors, including alcohol use and sleep deprivation, may trigger or worsen symptoms. Improving sleep or eliminating alcohol use in these cases may relieve symptoms.

Answered: What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:58:55 +0000

People with restless legs syndrome have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations. The condition causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs. The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying or sitting.

Answered: What are some other non-drug restless legs syndrome (RLS) treatments?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:58:21 +0000

Other non-drug treatments may include:

Leg massages
Hot baths or heating pads or ice packs applied to the legs
Good sleep habits
A vibrating pad called Relaxis

Answered: How is restless legs syndrome (RLS) treated?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:57:57 +0000

Treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) is targeted at easing symptoms. In people with mild to moderate restless legs syndrome, lifestyle changes, such as beginning a regular exercise program, establishing regular sleep patterns, and eliminating or decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, may be helpful. Treatment of an RLS-associated condition also may provide relief of symptoms.

Answered: What other factors are associated with the development or worsening of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:57:25 +0000

Other factors associated with the development or worsening of restless legs syndrome (RLS) include:

Chronic diseases. Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often include symptoms of RLS. Treating these conditions often gives some relief from RLS symptoms.
Medications. Some types of medications, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines, may worsen symptoms.
Pregnancy. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms usually go away within a month after delivery.

Answered: How is restless legs syndrome (RLS) diagnosed?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:57:00 +0000

There is no medical test to diagnose restless legs syndrome (RLS); however, doctors may use blood tests and other exams to rule out other conditions. The diagnosis of RLS is based on a patient’s symptoms and answers to questions concerning family history of similar symptoms, medication use, the presence of other symptoms or medical conditions, or problems with daytime sleepiness.

Answered: What causes restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:56:28 +0000

In most cases, doctors do not know the cause of restless legs syndrome; however, they suspect that genes play a role. Nearly half of people with the conidtion also have a family member with it.

Answered: How can medications help treat restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:55:38 +0000

Medications may be helpful as restless legs syndrome (RLS) treatments, but the same drugs are not helpful for everyone. In fact, a drug that relieves symptoms in one person may worsen them in another. In other cases, a drug that works for a while may lose its effectiveness over time.

Answered: How can the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) vary?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:54:55 +0000

The severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms ranges from mild to intolerable. Symptoms can come and go and severity can also vary. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and at night. For some people, symptoms may cause severe nightly sleep disruption that can significantly impair their quality of life.

Answered: What should I know about treating restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:53:05 +0000

There is no cure for primary restless legs syndrome, or RLS, although various treatments often can help relieve symptoms. Treatment for secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS caused by another medical problem) involves treating the underlying cause.

Answered: What medical conditions have been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:52:44 +0000

Many different medical conditions have been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS). The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes).

Answered: What other medical conditions have been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:52:19 +0000

Other medical conditions linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS) include:

a. Alcohol

b. Caffeine

c. Anticonvulsant drugs (such as Dilantin)

d. Antidepressant drugs (including amitriptyline, Paxil)

e. Beta-blockers (drugs often used to treat high blood pressure)

f. Antipsychotics

Parkinson's disease
Varicose veins
Some tumors
Fibromyalgia
Hyper- or hypothyroidism (over- or underactive thyroid glands)
Pregnancy
Cigarette smoking
Vitamin and mineral deficiency, such as magnesium deficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency
Severe kidney disease and uremia (kidney failure causing build up of toxins within the body)
Amyloidosis (build-up of a starch-like substance in the body's tissues and organs)
Lyme disease
Damage to spinal nerves
Rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren syndrome
Certain medications or substances, such as:
g. Withdrawal from certain drugs, such as vasodilator drugs (for example, Apresoline), sedatives, or antidepressants (for example, Tofranil)

Answered: What are the risk factors for restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:51:51 +0000

In many cases, restless legs syndrome (RLS) seems to run in families. People with a genetic link to RLS tend to get the condition earlier in life.