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RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) ?

A neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations that have been described as the feeling that the legs are "crawling with insects" accompanied by a compulsion to move to relieve symptoms.

Lying down may activate or make symptoms worse which can lead to problems falling or staying asleep.  With time, the exhaustion resulting from insomnia may impact all aspects of daily life.

Symptoms may occur in both legs or be isolated to certain areas of the leg or foot, occasionally spreading to the arms.

RLS has been known to occur as early as infancy, although middle-aged and older people have the most severe symptoms, with women experiencing a slightly higher incidence then men.

A certain percentage of people with both RLS and varicose or spider veins may get relief from RLS symptoms by having their diseased veins treated.

A study is being developed to determine if wearing graduated compression stockings will help relieve the symptoms of RLS as it does for some varicose vein sufferers.

More than 80% of people suffering from RLS also suffer from Periodic Leg Movement Disorder (PLMD), involuntary jerking or bending leg movements occurring frequently during sleep.  People can have PLMD without having RLS.  The cause of PLMD is unknown.

Top Tips for Coping With RLS

• Begin a regular walking program (consult your doctor first).

• Control stress, avoid drastic air temperature changes and getting overtired.

• Don't smoke and reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.

• Ask your doctor to check for iron deficiency anemia, kidney disease, and refer you to a varicose vein disease specialist (phlebologist).

• Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications (including vitamins, supplements, and over-the counter).

• Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for graduated compression stockings to relieve RLS symptoms.

• For more information, contact: Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, National Sleep Foundation, Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders, and National Institutes of Health.

The above information has been provided exclusively for Ames Walker by Mary T. Johnson, R.N., author of:

Get Rid of the Blues!  Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Varicose and Spider Veins But Didn't Know Who to Ask   (ISBN 0-595-01074-1).

Available at iUniverse.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, or can be ordered from your local bookstore.

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The information collected here has been developed over searches on the internet.  We are not in any way responsible for, or endorse, information on other web sites, it is here for public information.   Your doctor is the best source of leg health information and treatment.  We hope you find this information helpful.  This article has been provided courtesy of  Ames Walker Hosiery (ameswalker.com) and may be reproduced for personal use provided no part of this article (including the text contents) has been changed. Copyright © 2003  Ames Walker International Inc.