Restless legs syndrome – what is it?
Tingling, burning, itching or even cramping are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome at rest or at night. The pharmacist states that these unpleasant sensations should not be attributed to fatigue – it is a serious disease included in the International Classification of Diseases, with defined symptoms and precise diagnostic criteria.
“Restless legs syndrome manifests as an unwanted desire to move the legs, as walking, stretching or massaging the legs reduces or temporarily eliminates the unpleasant symptoms. Both feeling discomfort and moving the legs before going to bed make it difficult to fall asleep quickly and get quality rest, so people often suffer from fatigue and exhaustion during the day,” explains J. Jankauskienė.
Although, according to the pharmacist, the exact causes of restless legs syndrome are not completely clear, several factors are known that can contribute to the onset of this syndrome. One is genetics – more than half of people with a family history of the disease also experience annoying symptoms.
An imbalance of dopamine in the brain can also contribute to the involuntary urge to move the legs, as well as various co-existing conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure or pregnancy.
“The onset or worsening of symptoms can be triggered by the use of some medications, such as those used to treat mood or anxiety disorders, as well as various antihistamines. Lifestyle also has an influence.
People who smoke, often consume caffeine-containing products or alcoholic beverages encounter this syndrome more often. Improper nutrition, lack of vitamins and minerals, and low physical activity can further worsen the symptoms,” says J. Jankauskienė.
How can it be facilitated?
The pharmacist states that in order to alleviate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, one should first of all exercise regularly, but avoid very intense sports, especially in the evening, as this can worsen the discomfort experienced.
It is also important to establish a suitable daily routine – go to bed and get up at a similar time, use various relaxation techniques, manage stress.
According to the pharmacist, a balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals and plenty of iron-containing products is also a necessary aspect: red meat, fish, legumes, green leafy vegetables.
Ensuring the right amount of water in the body is another detail that will help reduce muscle tension, and giving up caffeine, alcohol and tobacco products will improve water circulation in the body and blood circulation functions.
“In the case of restless legs syndrome, foot and leg stretching exercises, massages, and a warm bath before bed can help – this helps to relax the muscles and nervous system, and activates blood circulation.” Special heating-cooling compresses available at drugstores work well for some people. If you put such a compress in the freezer, it will effectively freeze, and if you put it in boiled water or a microwave oven, it will heat it.
Since heat or cold work individually, I would encourage you to try the corresponding ointments as well. In their composition, you should look for menthol, arnica, camphor, rosemary, sedum, pine or lemon tree extracts. Before choosing an ointment, it is necessary to consult a doctor or a pharmacist, which option would be the most suitable in terms of effect and price,” the pharmacist shares her advice.
It is worth visiting the doctor
J. Jankauskienė warns that if the symptoms do not subside, and the restless legs syndrome significantly disturbs the quality of daily life, it is necessary to consult a family doctor or a neurologist, who can prescribe drug treatment. For example, severe iron deficiency in the body often causes restless legs syndrome, so prescription iron preparations and vitamin C may be prescribed. In order for vitamin absorption to occur more smoothly, intravenous iron therapy may also be necessary.
“In some cases, doctors can also prescribe preparations that increase dopamine activity in the brain, which help reduce the symptoms of the disease, or even antidepressants. However, in order to achieve effective treatment, it is necessary to carefully listen to the doctors’ instructions, because they are the ones who can determine and apply an individual recovery plan that corresponds to the person’s habits, health history and body condition,” adds J. Jankauskienė.
2024-08-14 12:50:38