Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder

RLS or Restless Legs Syndrome is a kind of neurological disorder which is characterized by an unpleasant sensation in the legs.

Such sensations give out an uncontrollable urge to move while they are still. You feel that moving your feet will get rid of this unpleasantness that has gripped the feet.

Sensations that arise from the RLS are described as –

• Burning
• Tugging
• Creeping
• Insects crawling feeling

Such feelings are called paresthesias (or abnormal sensations) or the dysesthesias (or abnormal and unpleasant sensations). The sensations can get really annoying; they will first cause irritation and then get painful.

Most paradoxical aspect of such a condition are the symptoms of restlessness which hit hard when you are sitting down or lying down for relaxing.

A lot of people who are suffering from RLS will face from a lot of difficulties while sleeping. If untreated, the conditions might get worse and chronic exhaustion and fatigue.

Living with RLS

Plenty of people having RLS complain that they are finding it difficult to concentrate on the daily tasks. Apart from that, people might suffer in their personal life and daily activities. There might be a lot of other problems too.

Under diagnosing RLS

Experts say that about 12 million people in America suffer from this disorder. But it is believed that this number is a small and there are more number of people suffering from it; some are undiagnosed.

The people who aren’t diagnosed might not seek medical help. They think

• They won’t be taken seriously.
• The problem might not be too serious to seek medical help
• The condition can’t be treated

Signs and symptoms

People who are suffering from RLS often experience unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations in their legs. Such sensations become more intense while they are relaxing or sitting down.

There is an incessant urge to move your legs. The sensations occur deep inside the legs or in hands, thighs, arm, or feel or in between knee and ankle.

In most of the cases, the sensations only affect one side of the body of the person. But in some rare cases, it is seen that both the sides suffer from it.

Keep the legs moving

Moving your legs constantly will help in relieving all the discomfort that is caused through unpleasant sensations and hence people always keep their legs moving.

Doing this also prevents the sensations from turning up. It is also seen that the RLS victims pace up and down the floor continuously and move constantly while they are sitting.

Sensations are lesser in day time

People who are sensations suffering from RLS say the sensations are less during the day when the sun is out. In some cases, the symptoms disappear altogether during in air and sun.

This might be the right time to sleep if they are struggling to sleep in the night.

Things that trigger Restless Legs Syndrome

• Long car trips
• Sitting in theatre watching movies
• Relaxation exercises
• Immobile legs having cast
• Long distance air flights