Have you ever experienced a weird and uncomfortable tingling feeling on your legs that usually comes whenever you are rested, whether you are lying down or have been sitting down for a long time? It just needs you to move your legs for some reason. This could have been a sign of the restless legs syndrome (RLS).
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, RLS is a neurological disorder causing discomfort in the legs and a desire to move them, moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort but the sensations often recur once the movement stops. “Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours and are often most intense at night when you are resting. RLS can severely disrupt your sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up.”
In terms of what causes this condition, Healthline states that it is often a mystery, with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers being potential causes. More than 40% of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. In fact, there are five gene variants associated with RLS. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age 40.
The publication continues to mention that RLS may be linked to low iron levels, dopamine disruption, and Parkinson’s disease. It is said that other potential causes include caffeine, alcohol, allergies, nausea, depression, and psychosis. Pregnancy is also said to be one of the triggers of RLS.
Severe RLS affects more women than men, claims the WebMD, with most being middle-aged or older. The publication mentions that children may experience RLS, but not as much as adults, with 2% more likely if the child’s parents have this condition.
The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society claims that “There is no cure for RLS, but there are effective treatments. In some cases, the cause of the symptoms can be found. Treatment is then focused on addressing the underlying problem.”
The source further mentions that symptoms can be alleviated with dopamine drugs like levodopa, GABA drugs like gabapentin, and opioid-type drugs like oxycodone-naloxone, typically taken before symptoms start or earlier if needed.
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