Are You Suffering From Restless Leg Syndrome Without Knowing It?
Recent news stories and television commercials have clearly demonstrated the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome (frequently known as simply RLS) to everyone.
Although of course those people who have suffered from this disorder for years know all too well the way RLS can disrupt everyday life.
As the existence of RLS becomes more readily available people might well discover the cause of their mystery symptoms and begin to ask questions when they see their doctor.
Perhaps more importantly they will come to see that their symptoms are real and not merely imagined and they are not alone.
Probably the simplest description of just how RLS affects a person is to say that it is a disorder in which you are quite simply unable to relax.
When a person either sits or lays down at night their legs begin to feel as though pins and needles are being stuck into them or experience a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to continually move their legs, making it nearly impossible to sleep.
This alone can explain why one of the principle effects of RLS is insomnia.
As research has progressed it has become evident that many people with RLS also have other family members who suffer from the disorder and that there is therefore without doubt a genetic component to the disorder.
The genetic element is important when it comes to diagnosing RLS in children because they commonly do not vocalize their discomfort or pain in the same way as an adult and it is often misdiagnosed, as stress, muscle cramps, arthritis and insomnia and focus is often put on the child's irritability,restlessness and inattentiveness as what is referred to as simply growing pains.
In addition, at times pregnant women find themselves suffering from the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms of the condition appearing during their final trimester.
Because of their pregnancy, medication is generally not recommended except during the last two or three months of their pregnancy when the effects on their baby will be minimal.
Diagnosis should be the principle concern for anyone with RLS because it is only after you have been diagnosed that treatment can become the focus and relief begins.
Treatment for RLS varies widely from one individual to the next and with the severity of the symptoms being experienced.
Medication is generally prescribed for more severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being two of the most well known prescribed medicines.
For individuals who prefer not to take medication there are alternative methods such as acupuncture and a range of homeopathic remedies.
Also, lifestyle changes such as using hot and cold packs, exercise and relaxation are also used to relieve symptoms.
Although it might seem appropriate to look for the best relief for your symptoms on your own checking with a doctor first is best because RLS can occasionally be a secondary condition and result from another condition or disorder as, for instance, when it arises during pregnancy.
Making use of your own treatment plan may well result in additional problems and therefore not result in the relief you are looking for.
Because each of us is unique so too are our symptoms and an understanding of this fact is central when it comes to a disorder like RLS.
It is only with a sound understanding of this disorder that appropriate treatment can begin and the leg pain which accompanies RLS will be a thing of the past.
Although of course those people who have suffered from this disorder for years know all too well the way RLS can disrupt everyday life.
As the existence of RLS becomes more readily available people might well discover the cause of their mystery symptoms and begin to ask questions when they see their doctor.
Perhaps more importantly they will come to see that their symptoms are real and not merely imagined and they are not alone.
Probably the simplest description of just how RLS affects a person is to say that it is a disorder in which you are quite simply unable to relax.
When a person either sits or lays down at night their legs begin to feel as though pins and needles are being stuck into them or experience a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to continually move their legs, making it nearly impossible to sleep.
This alone can explain why one of the principle effects of RLS is insomnia.
As research has progressed it has become evident that many people with RLS also have other family members who suffer from the disorder and that there is therefore without doubt a genetic component to the disorder.
The genetic element is important when it comes to diagnosing RLS in children because they commonly do not vocalize their discomfort or pain in the same way as an adult and it is often misdiagnosed, as stress, muscle cramps, arthritis and insomnia and focus is often put on the child's irritability,restlessness and inattentiveness as what is referred to as simply growing pains.
In addition, at times pregnant women find themselves suffering from the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms of the condition appearing during their final trimester.
Because of their pregnancy, medication is generally not recommended except during the last two or three months of their pregnancy when the effects on their baby will be minimal.
Diagnosis should be the principle concern for anyone with RLS because it is only after you have been diagnosed that treatment can become the focus and relief begins.
Treatment for RLS varies widely from one individual to the next and with the severity of the symptoms being experienced.
Medication is generally prescribed for more severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being two of the most well known prescribed medicines.
For individuals who prefer not to take medication there are alternative methods such as acupuncture and a range of homeopathic remedies.
Also, lifestyle changes such as using hot and cold packs, exercise and relaxation are also used to relieve symptoms.
Although it might seem appropriate to look for the best relief for your symptoms on your own checking with a doctor first is best because RLS can occasionally be a secondary condition and result from another condition or disorder as, for instance, when it arises during pregnancy.
Making use of your own treatment plan may well result in additional problems and therefore not result in the relief you are looking for.
Because each of us is unique so too are our symptoms and an understanding of this fact is central when it comes to a disorder like RLS.
It is only with a sound understanding of this disorder that appropriate treatment can begin and the leg pain which accompanies RLS will be a thing of the past.