restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is an acknowledged medical condition that can have serious repercussions for your daily life. Although the degrees of seriousness can vary, any impact will surely be felt. I've known several people with restless leg syndrome, and it was due to the discomfort they experienced because of this ailment that I decided to find some answers.

Although the causes are not known, RLS (as restless leg syndrome is abbreviated) plagues about eight percent of the nation's population. There is no accurate way to diagnose or test for it, since the symptoms vary so much by individual. Having lived with someone who suffered from RLS, I can understand the frustration with the current lack of medicinal knowledge.

Restless Leg Symptoms

So how do you know if you have RLS? Ask yourself these questions: when inactive, do you have an irresistible urge to shake your legs? Do you wake yourself up at night because of uncontrollable leg movements? If any of these sound familiar, please read on.

You may have heard that RLS is caused by a magnesium deficiency or lack of potassium. The truth is that doctors simply do not know how much diet, exercise, or genetic history plays a part in determining whether or not someone has RLS. The best thing you can do as far as a proper diagnosis is concerned is to keep a log of your symptoms and share it with your doctor.

How to Tell If Your Case of Restless Leg Syndrome Is Severe

RLS affects all its victims to a different degree. On the moderate end of the scale, victims will feel an unexplainable need to shake their legs during periods of inactivity. On the severe end of the scale, victims will feel frightening and unpleasant sensations in their appendages that only abate when the victim shakes his or her legs.

Sleep is often affected by RLS. It causes a victim's legs to spasm without his control, often waking him from sleep. This can be especially disturbing for people whose spouses suffer from RLS--they are woken almost as frequently as the victim.

What Should You Do About Restless Leg Syndrome?

Although the cause and cure may be a scientific mystery, there is certainly something you can do about treatment for restless leg syndrome. Often, taking a vitamin or mineral supplement can help alleviate the symptoms. Deficiencies of important nutrients are believed to be partially (if not wholly) to blame for RLS.

There are also prescription drugs that can be taken to ease the symptoms. These drugs are not recommended, though, since none have earned the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With patience, vigilance, and the right background knowledge, identifying the right treatment for your level of RLS is not only attainable--it is easy!