Living with RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS is the uncontrollable urge to move your legs to stop painful or weird feelings in the legs, also called a Neurological Disorder. When you move your legs, the feelings go away. This can be really annoying to people and learning to live with it can be a chore. These sensations are unusual and uncommon as it is hard to describe them. Some people have said they are creeping, painful, itching, pins and needles and pulling among many more. You can feel these sensations in other parts of the body, but it mostly occurs in the legs, sometimes followed by the arms. You can have a very small sensation but still have the urge to move.

If you have any of the following, you could easily have RLS: You have an urge to move, usually when you feel the sensations in your legs. These sensations are unusual and uncommon as it is hard to describe them. Some people have said they are creeping, painful, itching, pins and needles and pulling among many more. You can feel these sensations in other parts of the body, but it mostly occurs in the legs, sometimes followed by the arms. You can have a very small sensation but still have the urge to move.

Activity that relieves the urge to move: Most people feel these sensations when they are lying still or resting. Doing some sort of activity or movement can decrease the pain. You could take a walk to relieve some of the pain or ride a bike. Most people find that something that works for them doesn't work as good for someone else. Find what helps relieve your pain and try to do that when you need to.

The sensations worsen when you are relaxing: If you are not doing anything and you feel the sensations and have the urge to move, you could have RLS.

The sensations are worse in the evening and early in the night: This is the symptom I myself have. I experience it at other times as well, but usually the most at night. I lay down for bed and I can feel the pain in my legs and have to constantly keep moving them until I feel better. This can be so frustrating!

How to treat RLS: People with mild to moderate RLS symptoms, are usually suggested by doctors to change certain lifestyle habits and activities to help reduce or eliminate the symptoms. You can help reduce these symptoms by decreasing your use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Some people with RLS may have to take a supplement if they have a deficiency in magnesium, folate or iron. You can try massaging your legs, a heating pad or ice pack or even a hot bath to help relieve the pain.

Unfortunately, RLS is a life-long condition with no cure. Your symptoms could worsen with age and current therapies can control the disorder while minimizing your symptoms and increasing your restful sleep periods.

Research is still ongoing to help find a cure for this disorder. It will take lots of time because the doctors have to rely on the patient's description of what they're experiencing, as well as their family background, and any related information.

If you are suffering from RLS talk to your physician about getting treatment. You can try to get relief on your own first if you want, find what works best for you. If the pain doesn't cease as fast or well, see your doctor.