About 15% of Americans are affected by restless leg syndrome (RLS) today. This is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Research suggests that a persistent RLS can hurt your heart. Therefore, this is not the condition you wait to go away on its own but seek expert medical assistance. Cardiologist and vein specialist Ashish Pal, MD of Vein & Cardiovascular Center, is a Sebring restless leg syndrome specialist and can help you manage the condition. Herein is all about the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Overview
RLS is a condition associated with an uncomfortable sensation that causes the urge to move your leg uncontrollably. This typically occurs in the evening or nighttime particularly when you are sitting or lying down. The unpleasant feeling is temporarily eased with moving but keeps on recurring. This can disrupt your sleep and interfere with your daily activities. It can occur at any age but generally worsens with age.
Although some lifestyle changes and self-care steps can improve the condition, it is essential to seek medical intervention for faster recovery.
When to See a Doctor
If your condition is interfering with your sleep, it can cause daytime drowsiness and affect your ability to perform at work. When this affects the quality of your life, it is time to talk to your doctor for help.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you questions about your family history, symptoms, and other health-related issues to understand your unique needs. Generally, your diagnosis will be based on the following criteria:
- Solid and irresistible urge to move the legs
- Symptoms that start or worsen while resting
- Symptoms temporarily relieved by activity
- Symptoms worsen at night
- Symptoms unrelated to other medical or behavioral issues
Tests and Exams
Your provider may conduct a neurological and a physical exam to analyze your condition. Tests such as blood tests can be recommended to rule out other health complications such as iron deficiency.
Treatment
Depending on your unique needs, your provider can prescribe some medications to reduce the restlessness in your legs. Medications may include increased dopamine in the brain, opioids, drugs affecting calcium channels, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants. However, your provider will use some of these medications with caution. Some can aggravate the symptoms and cause other harmful side effects. If pregnant, most of these medications can not be prescribed.
When restless leg syndrome is directly related to vein function, effective treatments such as VenaSeal and Venefit Targeted Endovenous Therapy can be employed.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
Your provider can also recommend some lifestyle changes and at-home care tips to alleviate your symptoms. This includes:
- Baths and massage
- Applying warm and cool packs
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene
- Exercises
- Use of a foot wrap
- Avoiding caffeine
Living With RSL
Restless Leg Syndrome can be a lifelong condition that you have to learn how to cope up with. You will also need support from family members, friends, and colleagues. Therefore, it would be a good idea to tell others about your condition to help them understand when you are applying the strategies to cope with the complication. Also, the following can help:
- Keeping a sleep diary and share it with your doctor
- Resist the urge of movement
- Stretching and massaging
Do not hesitate to get help for restless leg syndrome. Book an appointment today at Vein & Cardiovascular Center.