What to Do if You’ve Tried Everything to Control Restless Leg Syndrome

Have restless legs and feet been keeping you up at night? You’re not alone. Millions of people around the world have restless leg syndrome, which is a neurological condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move one’s limbs. This can lead to sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and other health issues. In this article we’ll discuss restless leg treatments so you can finally get a good night’s rest

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that manifests as an irresistible urge to move one’s arms or legs. This urge tends to occur during resting periods, particularly when lying down or sitting still. Symptoms are typically worse at night , interfering with normal sleep patterns. Typically restless leg syndrome affects both men and women equally, regardless of age. It  is estimated that 10% of American adults have restless leg syndrome.

Symptoms of RLS

Contrary to its name, RLS doesn’t always only affect the legs. The same sensations can occur in the arms, hands, and legs. Those who have RLS often report symptoms like:

• Discomfort in the limbs in the form of tingling, burning, cramping, or itchy
• Insect-like crawling sensations
• The feeling of tension or the need to move
• Constant waking in the night due to leg sensations or the need to get up
• Inability to sit, stand still, or lie down for more than half and hour at a time
• Relief in leg sensations when swinging the limbs, flexing the muscles, or pacing around the room

How RLS Affects Sleep

Restless leg syndrome can seriously interrupt sleep. If you have RLS, you may experience the following problems with your sleep:

• Waking in the night and being unable to fall back asleep
• Tossing and turning all throughout the night, causing an inability to stay in bed through the night
• Waking too early in the morning
• Daytime exhaustion and fatigue
• Trouble completing their normal daily tasks and staying concentrated
• Forgetting what it’s like to wake up feeling refreshed and energized

How RLS Affects Health

Restless leg syndrome is already a very uncomfortable condition. It can affect your daily life, making it difficult to function at work, home or school. Here are some common problems people with RLS experience:

• Depression – many find they become depressed because of their ongoing inability to sleep through the night.
• Anxiety – people find themselves anxious because of their inability to get a good night’s sleep regularly. This often causes them to become irritable and more prone to mood swings.
• Impaired concentration – without the proper amount of sleep, it’s difficult for people with RLS to concentrate on individual tasks. They’ll often end up neglecting work or school projects because their mind is elsewhere.
• Impaired problem-solving ability – without the proper amount of sleep, people with RLS are more likely to make mistakes at work or throughout their daily lives. This leads to feelings of frustration and stress that often leads to depression.
• Insomnia – those who have restless leg syndrome often have a difficult time falling asleep, which can lead to insomnia.
• Gastrointestinal problems – some people with RLS may experience gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux or heartburn.

Causes of RLS

Restless leg syndrome typically isn’t related to any serious medical condition, however, it can be a side effect of a number of different conditions. Additionally, it can also be hereditary and run throughout families. Mayo Clinic explains that some conditions that may be associated with RLS include: 

• Peripheral neuropathy. This damage to the nerves in your hands and feet is sometimes due to chronic diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism.
• Iron deficiency. Even without anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen RLS. If you have a history of bleeding from your stomach or bowels, experience heavy menstrual periods, or repeatedly donate blood, you may have iron deficiency.
• Kidney failure. If you have kidney failure, you may also have iron deficiency, often with anemia. When kidneys don’t function properly, iron stores in your blood can decrease. This and other changes in body chemistry may cause or worsen RLS.
• Spinal cord conditions. Lesions on the spinal cord as a result of damage or injury have been linked to RLS. Having had anesthesia to the spinal cord, such as a spinal block, also increases the risk of developing RLS.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS signs and symptoms. Some women get RLS for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. However, symptoms usually disappear after delivery.

Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment Options

If a specific nerve compression issue is found, then that will be treated. However, with no nerve compression issue, most treatment plans will work to help you control your symptoms. You might be surprised about how occasional treatments could bring you great relief. Right here at our Austin Clinic, we help our patients with RLS find relief through treatments like:

• Massage to relieve muscle tension from stress and fatigue
• Chiropractic adjustment if misalignment is suspected to be the cause
• Electrostimulation for overactive nerves
• Stretches and exercise techniques to keep the muscles from twitching and cramping all night
• Nutritional supplements
• Peripheral neuropathy treatment

Seek Help with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If your restless legs are keeping you up throughout the night, contact Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center today to learn about how our treatment options could help you. Don’t wait to get better rest — start today! Call us now: (512) 806-0015.