What You Should Know About Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a nervous system disorder that affects legs resulting in an urge to keep moving your feet continuously. Medical experts suspect that brains of people who have this syndrome also known as RLS use or utilizes iron abnormally. It is also believed that genetics plays a major role in causing this condition since more than a half of RLS sufferers have other family members who are also affected. Sometimes the syndrome can also be caused by existing medical conditions such as end-stage kidney disease, iron deficiency and diabetes. Although these medical conditions can cause this disorder only a small number of them actually suffer from RLS. Symptoms of this disorder usually improve when the underlying conditions are treated. Severity can range from being intolerable to mild depending on severity of the syndrome. The following are common restless leg syndrome signs:

An itch discomfort or urge to shift legs

Patients with this condition usually have uncomfortable sensations in their legs accompanied by the urge to shift their legs that is irresistible. These sensations are usually difficult to describe as they range from creepy crawly to itchy feelings in the legs. Sometimes these sensations occur in other parts of the body although they commonly occur in the legs.

Motor restlessness

Movement brings instant but temporary relief; patients who suffer from this condition often prefer to walk around since it feels better. Other physical activities such as biking or stretching and yoga may also bring relief. Moving the legs up and down continuously may relieve sensations without resulting to walking although specific movements apply to individuals.

Symptoms gets worse by relaxation

Relaxation usually worsens the symptoms; this includes lying down or sitting. Such inactivity triggers the urge and sensations to move, severity of sensations often depends on the duration of inactivity and degree of restfulness.

Variability of symptoms during the day-night cycle

Restless leg syndrome signs and symptoms tend to worsen towards the evening or during the early hours of the night. Those who suffer from RLS often experience the worst sensations during evening which subsides in the morning.

Sensations make it hard to stay asleep or fall asleep

A good number of people who have RLS usually experience limb movements when they are asleep. These repetitive movements tend to occur every 20 to 30 seconds throughout the night which disrupts sleep or causes partial awakening.

RLS is usually broken further into two basic categories; primary or secondary. Primary RLS is usually considered as idiopathic meaning medical practitioners do not know what causes it. The condition tends to begin slowly patients attain the age of 40 and can go into remission for months or years. In children this syndrome is often mistaken for growth pains. Secondary RLS begins suddenly after the age of forty; it is often associated with use of particular medical drugs or conditions. Patients who experience the restless leg syndrome signs stipulated above should consult a physician in order to receive appropriate medical care which focuses mainly on iron and dopamine.

George Dent is a freelance writer who reviews the top resources on restless leg syndrome symptoms. Come to our website to read more about how to find information on restless leg syndrome signs!