Do You Have Restless Leg Syndrome?

Have you ever felt as if you needed to stretch your legs or had the urge to go out and run for a while, to let out a little excess energy? Have you ever had a night where you couldn’t get comfortable no matter how hard you tossed, and turned? Those suffering from restless leg syndrome have feelings like that all the time. This disorder is still under study to understand it better, but it’s certain that there are people suffering from this uncomfortable and sometimes painful affliction. If you are worried that you suffer from restless leg syndrome, there are patterns to look for that you may want to note before consulting with your doctor.

The Urge to Move

Everyone feels a little restlessness once in a while, but what makes it a problem for those suffering from restless leg syndrome is that it occurs whenever the individual is trying to rest. Sometimes there’s a sensation related to it, one that is alleviated by stretching or small amounts of activity, such as shifting a leg or turning over in bed, and sometimes it’s closer to an impulse that’s difficult to ignore. Unsurprisingly, these sensations are less apparent when active, but restless leg syndrome makes it difficult for a person when they want or need to be inactive. As the name implies, the sensations are most often experienced in the lower limbs of the body, and the sensations are often worse at night than they are in the morning. Of course, this makes sleeping difficult, so restless leg syndrome sufferers also sometimes have problems with insomnia.

A Link to Other Disorders

If you do feel that you experience the symptoms listed above, it might be wise to discuss this with a doctor so a proper diagnosis can be obtained. While restless leg syndrome can occur as a disorder of its own, it may also be as a result of other health conditions, such as pregnancy, varicose veins, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or arthritis. Even certain medications can cause it, so if you have another preexisting condition, restless leg syndrome may be a side effect. In order for proper treatment, doctors must determine whether the disorder is a result of another condition or occurring on its own; often when the primary problem resulting in restless leg syndrome is treated, the symptoms will also disappear. Whatever the cause, though, if you feel that you are suffering from the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, a trip to the doctor will help you to find out and get you obtain proper treatment so you can truly rest when you want.