Restless Leg Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom illness, is a sleep disorder in which the patient has an acute, often overwhelming need to move your legs (and even your arms or body). It can be accompanied by other limb feelings such as pulling, creeping, tugging, throbbing, itching, aching, burning, or crawling.
These feelings are most common when lying down in bed or sitting for lengthy periods of time, such as while driving or watching a movie. Restless Leg Syndrome usually manifests itself in the evening, making it difficult to sleep.
Sleep Medicine Institute, the first online course provider for sleep medicine courses has launched their restless leg syndrome course online. With this course you will be able to analyze the symptoms and provide appropriate diagnostic treatment to the patients.
Causes for Restless Leg Syndrome
In some circumstances, Restless Leg Syndrome has been discovered to be a genetic syndrome, meaning that parents who suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome can pass it on to their children. Patients with Restless Leg Syndrome who have a genetic link develop symptoms sooner in life (before the age of 45) than individuals with Restless Leg Syndrome who do not have a genetic relationship.
Medical conditions and genetic causes:
- Deficiencies in iron (iron deficiency).
- Uremia is a disorder in which the body produces (a condition associated with worsening kidney function).
- Hypothyroidism.
- Depression.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder.
- Kidney disease is a condition that affects many people.
- Diabetes.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves.
- Pregnancy.
- Dialysis.
Medications can also play a role in the Restless Leg Syndrome treatments. Antidepressants, allergy treatments, and anti-nausea meds are examples of well-known medications. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can all exacerbate the symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of RLS (restless legs syndrome)?
The following are some of the symptoms of restless legs syndrome:
- Leg (or arm) discomfort: Adults frequently report these unpleasant limb feelings as creeping, itching, pulling, crawling, tugging, throbbing, scorching, or biting. These sensations are most common around bedtime, although they can also happen at other times when your limbs are inactive.
- You have an uncontrollable impulse to move your legs (or arms) to relieve limb discomfort, especially when relaxing, such as when sitting or lying down.
- Sleep disruption: The need to move your limbs to reduce discomfort typically necessitates more time to fall asleep. It can be tough to fall asleep and stay asleep at times.
- Bedtime behaviour problems: Stretching out your limbs while in bed is common
- Daytime sleepiness can occur as a result of difficulties getting asleep and staying asleep.
- Problems with behaviour and work performance: Daytime behaviour (irritability, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and so on).
How can you know if you have restless legs syndrome (RLS)?
Regrettably, no diagnostic test exists for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms are used to make a diagnosis.
They must meet the following five criteria to be diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome:
Have a strong need to move your legs (or arms), which is generally accompanied by unpleasant feelings like pulling, tugging, crawling, itching, aching, or burning.
Also, a strong need to move or unpleasant sensations:
- During periods of rest or inactivity, symptoms may begin or intensify.
- Stretching, walking, or exercising the afflicted muscles can partially or completely relieve the pain.
- Are more severe or only happen in the evenings or at night.
What is the treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS)?
The severity of the symptoms determines the treatment for restless legs syndrome. Specific treatment is also required in situations of Restless Leg Syndrome caused by underlying medical conditions.
Treatments that aren’t based on drugs. Non-drug treatments are first tried, especially if the symptoms are minor. The following are examples of non-drug treatments:
- Following excellent sleep habits, such as avoiding reading, watching television, or using a computer or phone while lying in bed; sleeping for 7 to 9 hours; and other healthy sleep behaviours. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate RLS symptoms.
- Caffeinated items (coffees, teas, colas, chocolates, and some pharmaceuticals [see labels]), nicotine, and alcohol should be avoided or limited.
- To provide brief relief from leg soreness, use a heating pad, cold compress, or massage your legs. Massage, acupressure, walking, gentle stretching, and other relaxation techniques are also options.
- Relax in a hot tub.
- Magnesium supplements may be beneficial. They could be beneficial.
- As much as possible, reduce your tension. Try meditating, yoga, listening to soothing music, or other relaxation techniques.
Medications that require a prescription.
About the Restless Leg Syndrome Course
The clinical manifestation of Restless Leg Syndrome is defined in this course.
This course will describe the mechanisms that contribute to symptom enhancement, examine the accompanying impulse control issues that may be encountered with dopamine agonists, and explore other dopamine agonist-related comorbidities.
Participants should be able to do the following after completing this instructional activity:
- Define restless legs syndrome and limb motions that occur on a regular basis.
- Discuss the signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome, as well as its circadian pattern and diagnosis.
- Explain how to deal with restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements.
At Sleep Medicine Institute we look forward to educating in the field of medicine by providing detailed courses. Enroll yourself for the Restless Leg Syndrome Course today and get certified.
