Restless leg, as the name suggests, is a continuous movement of the legs. It is a type of syndrome typically known as restless leg syndrome (RLS). A person affected by this syndrome feels a strong urge to move their legs due to uncomfortable sensations like burning and aching. This typically occurs during the night, making it difficult to sleep. Although there is no permanent cure available but there are various solutions like home remedies and medications that can ease the symptoms. If you are searching for how to stop restless legs immediately, then you are in the right place.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail information about restless leg syndrome (RLS), like why is cause, its symptoms, and a safe and effective solution to stop restless legs immediately. Also, you can look at some home remedies, lifestyle adjustments, or simple tricks that help to recover quickly.
Treatment Of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Naturally & Medication
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome? & Its Symptoms
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) or also commonly known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a sudden and uncontrollable urge to shake the legs violently accompanied by an unpleasant sensation, mainly occurring during the evening or late at night. Sensations like itching, throbbing, and aching are often felt, which get better with vigorous leg movement. It is often considered a sleeping disorder because the symptoms worsen during the night, which hampers the sleep of the individual.
RLS is of two types: primary and secondary. The cause of primary RLS is generally due to genes, but secondary RLS is often associated with various medical conditions, like kidney failure (uremia), pregnancy, iron deficiency, certain medications, and other factors like alcohol, excess caffeine intake.
Symptoms of RLS
The affected person shows these restless leg syndrome symptoms
- Constant urge to shake the legs: This is the primary symptom
- Uncomfortable sensation: People often complain about feeling an uncomfortable sensation like burning, tingling, or aching.
- Ease of sensation with movement: The weird sensation felt only goes away with leg movement, like walking or stretching.
- Worsening at rest: The symptoms tend to worsen when the person is at rest, especially during nighttime.
- Irritability: Due to lack of sleep, the person tends to suffer from anxiety, depression, and constant mood changes.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome At Night?
The case where the cause of the syndrome is unknown is referred to as primary or idiopathic RLS. Some research suggests that a part of the brain, the Basal Ganglia, is responsible for RLS. Basal Ganglia use Dopamine, which acts as a messenger between the brain and nervous system and helps regulate body movement. If the nerve cells are damaged, it does not produce enough dopamine, which results in involuntary movements. The Dopamine level significantly gets reduced at night, which is the reason why the symptoms generally worsen during this time. Various other causes responsible are Iron deficiency, Anaemia, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Substance Use Disorder
Treatment and Medication
Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that can be treated by an individual at home for some milder symptoms, but for more severe symptoms, medical attention is required. Observing and understanding the symptoms can help the doctor start the treatment accordingly. Let’s look into various steps that can be taken to reduce those symptoms at home, and also some medications that can be taken in case the condition worsens.
How To Stop Restless Legs Immediately At Home?
Home remedies can help treat the syndrome with mild symptoms. Some of the remedies that can be used are:
- Practice healthy sleeping habits and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep regularly.
- Exercises like stretching, squats, and lunges should be done regularly.
- Try to reduce caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco intake.
- Apply an ice pack or soak your feet in warm water before going to bed.
- Eat a balanced diet and take oral supplements in case of deficiency.
- Get up and move around a bit if any uncomfortable sensation is felt in the legs.
What Medication Is Used For RLS?
- Dopamine agonists: These increase the dopamine level, thus reducing the symptoms. Drugs in this group include Ropinirole, Pramipexole, and Rotigotine. Side effects like headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are often associated with these drugs. These also often make people sleepy, so one must remain cautious after intake.
- Benzodiazepines: These are sleep aids and muscle relaxants. These do not completely remove the symptoms, but help in getting better sleep. Drugs in this group include Clonazepam, Eszopiclone, Temazepam, Zaleplon, Zolpidem. Side effects include sleepiness during the daytime.
- Narcotics: These help ease the pain and uncomfortable sensations. Drugs include Codeine, Oxycodone, combined Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, and combined Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. Side effects include dizziness and nausea. These can be addictive, so they must be taken with precaution.
- Anticonvulsants: These are generally preferred over dopamine agonists due to fewer side effects. Drugs include Gabapentin, Gabapentin Enacarbil, and Pregabalin. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and weight changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age groups are affected by RLS?
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can occur in people of any age group, but it commonly affects people in the age group 40. It is challenging to diagnose the disease in children due to the difficulty in identifying symptoms.
Is RLS considered a serious disorder?
RLS is not considered a life-threatening disorder, but it can cause a sleeping disorder that can disrupt daily life activities and increase mental stress for the individual, which must be cured sooner using medical advice.
Conclusion
Restless Leg Syndrome or commonly known as RLS, can be a result of genetic or various underlying health conditions. There is no such permanent treatment present for this syndrome, but with a healthy lifestyle and required medication, we can reduce the symptoms and live a better lifestyle.