The treatment of restless legs syndrome, which reduces the quality of life, varies according to the type of disease.
What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome, which can be seen in both women and men, is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. Restless Leg Syndrome, which can be seen at any age but increases in severity with age, can be defined as an uncontrolled urge to move the legs. This usually occurs in the evening when the patient is sitting or lying down. Restless Leg Syndrome can also cause sleep problems in some patients.
What are the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
In Restless Leg Syndrome, a chronic disorder, patients feel the need to move their legs with a sudden urge due to uncomfortable sensations such as tingling, numbness, pain, and itching. This often occurs while sitting or lying down. Although movement reduces complaints, this is temporary. Restless leg syndrome, which can be seen at any age, progresses more severely with advancing age and seriously reduces the quality of life.
What are the causes of Restless Leg Syndrome?
The exact cause of restless leg syndrome has not yet been determined. However, research conducted so far indicates that an imbalance in dopamine secretion in the brain may lead to this disease. Restless leg syndrome can also occur suddenly and without a cause. Other conditions that can lead to this disease are listed as follows:
- Nerve diseases (Neuropathy)
- Spinal cord injuries and damages
- Interventions requiring anesthesia of the spinal cord
- Iron-Deficiency
- Anemias
- Pregnancy
- Disturbance in dopamine balance
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Use of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels
- Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome
Patients who experience symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome should first be examined by a neurologist. After listening to the patient’s history and complaints, physical and neurological examinations should be performed. Electrophysiological tests and blood tests are performed during the diagnostic process. Sleep tests may also be requested if necessary.
How is Restless Leg Syndrome treated?
Treatment for restless legs syndrome is planned according to the type of disease. This disease is divided into two main groups:
- Idiopathic (cause unknown) restless legs syndrome
- Restless Leg Syndrome due to another disease
There are two types of idiopathic restless legs syndrome; the cause of which is unknown and the one without genetic factors. Secondary restless legs syndrome includes conditions that develop due to a different disorder. Depending on the type of disease and the underlying causes, there are various methods from drug therapy to massage, hot and cold compress applications to exercise. Regulation of nutrition and lifestyle habits also play an important role in controlling this disease. Alternative treatment methods that are effective in eliminating the pain, numbness, twitching, and tingling sensations caused by Restless Legs Syndrome are listed as follows:
- Medicines,
- Physiotherapy,
- Nerve blocks,
- Epidural steroid injections,
- Radiofrequency applications