Health Matters

Health Matters

By Virginia Lester,
RN, MSN, ARNP

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic movement disorder that is described as a creeping, crawly or jumpy feeling in the legs with an irresistible urge to move the legs. Symptoms often occur during periods of inactivity such as when you sit or lie down at night. Symptoms are relieved by moving or walking. Sleep is often disturbed causing increased health problems related to fatigue, inability to focus attention and increased physical and health symptoms. Very often people just believe they have insomnia or categorize their sleep patterns as poor or disturbed.

he overall prevalence for RLS is 3 - 15% of the population. RLS can appear as early as the late teens with the average age of diagnosis around the mid thirties, however symptoms seem to be more exaggerated in older people. Heredity also plays a role especially when the onset is before age 30.

Conditions which may contribute to people developing RLS are pregnancy, uremia (severe kidney disease), low iron stores (anemia), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Some medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives and lithium can cause the symptoms to be worse.

Conditions that have similar symptoms or mimic RLS are: Night time leg muscle cramps (severe localized muscle spasms); peripheral neuropathy (almost constant pain/discomfort not usually relieved by movement) and periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS). Movement disorders should be accurately diagnosed before medications are instituted.

The most common disorder that mimics RLS is PLMS. This condition is a sudden jerking of the legs during sleep. The person you sleep with is often the one who notices it. The legs may jerk many times during the night and may interrupt both you and your partner. Both of you may feel tired in the morning from sleep disruption. PLMS is different from the normal leg and body twitching many people experience while first falling asleep.

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome can be treated. Before starting a medication there are things you can do to help relieve symptoms. Because sleep is the way we regenerate our bodies it is a priority for good health.

• Healthy lifestyle: (1) Eat a healthy balanced diet rich with vitamins and minerals. (2) Manage stress and learn ways to relax such as deep breathing techniques and visualization. (3) Exercise regularly, best in the afternoon.

• Good sleep habits: (1) Keep regular sleep schedules. (2) Avoid or limit naps. (3) Make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and a comfortable temperature for sleep. (4) Use your bed only for sleep and sex. (5) Avoid or limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.

• Tips for temporary relief: (1) Try walking or stretching. (2) Have a massage. (3) Take a hot or cold bath. (4) Do activities that specifically make muscles in your legs work.(5) Try relaxing techniques such as yoga or mediation.

Notice: We have influenza vaccine in the clinic. We will have vaccine clinics every Monday from 3-5 p.m. No appointment is needed, just come in. Every one is encouraged to get their flu vaccine this year, no restrictions.