Most treatments for restless leg syndrome, or RLS, are limited at best and only reduce rather than eliminate symptoms. RLS is a neurological disorder that generates an unpleasant, tingling feeling in the legs, causing a person to move uncontrollably while attempting to relieve those feelings. The condition is triggered when the body is in a restful state. RLS affects all ages and genders, but the condition is diagnosed more often in women than men, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Treatment Research
Scientists first described RLS over 300 years ago, yet in the December 2009 issue of "Parkinsonism and Related Disorders," Dr. L. Ferini-Strambi writes that the causes and genetics of RLS are still not well understood.
RLS affects about 10 percent of the general population. Doctors recommend medication only when a patient's quality of life is affected. New treatment strategies are necessary for patients experiencing intermittent symptoms. Future research on the genetic components of RLS will likely improve treatment strategies.
Diet & Lifestyle Changes
Physicians advise that RLS patients with milder symptoms change their diet or exercise habits. This practice can both prevent and alleviate symptoms. Eliminating caffeine products may decrease symptoms. Smokers should consider refraining from tobacco use.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies may help, as well as adding iron and magnesium supplements. A regular exercise regimen may also help RLS patients sleep symptom-free through the night.
Sleep Disorder Treatment
RLS patients often report having trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Individuals may have their sleep patterns disrupted, sleeping early in the morning when symptoms are milder.
Sleep disturbances result in daytime drowsiness and fatigue. For this reason, a physician may suggest that a RLS patient undergo a sleep study to examine his heart rate, breathing rate and brain function while sleeping.
Medication
Medications normally used to treat Parkinson's disease and epilepsy have been very effective in treating RLS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved gabapentin, pramipexole and ropinirole to treat moderate RLS. Other medications used to treat RLS include muscle relaxants and opioids such as oxycodone or Vicodin. Dopaminergic compounds, drugs that shut down certain neuro-transmitters, have also shown great promise in treating RLS.
Underlying Disease
RLS can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition. By treating that condition, RLS symptoms will usually dissipate. Anemia, kidney disease, diabetes, pregnancy, alcoholism and Parkinson's disease can all cause RLS symptoms.
References
- "Parkinsonism and Related Disorders"; Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome; Luigi Ferini-Strambi, M.D.; December 2009
- "Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports"; Restless Legs Syndrome; William G. Ondo, M.D.; 2005
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: RLS Fact Sheet
