What Is Restless Legs Syndrome or RLS?
Mary Ann Porsuelo
Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, is a condition mainly described as an irresistible urge to move the body, or a part of the body, to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. The legs are what is mostly affected, hence the name. But the arms and torso can also be affected. Victims of the Restless Legs Syndrome describe feeling either burning, tickling, or itching sensations in the muscles. They would then move the affected body part to relieve them of the uncomfortable feelings. RLS is also known as the Wittmaack-Eckbom's Syndrome, and sometimes also called (inaccurately) as Nocturnal Myoclonus.
The Symptoms of RLS
There is not yet a test that can give a definite diagnosis of the Restless Legs Syndrome. The symptoms of the condition is also very broad and sometimes vague. The following are symptoms that you have to look for when considering the possibility of RLS:
- You feel uncomfortable sensations which increase with time and inactivity. It is usually your legs that experiences these. - You feel an urge to move your affected body parts. When you do, there is a relief and deterioration in the uncomfortable sensations. Stretching or walking is usually preferred, but any type of movement can be done. - The sensations and the urge to move are worse at night and when you are trying to sleep. - You feel fatigue and exhaustion and it affects your day activities and your personal life. - Some patients report problems in concentrating and remembering. - The cause of the uncomfortable sensations cannot be detected by medical tests. - RLS can sometimes be inherited. This means that if a family member has RLS, then you may have it, too.
The Three Types of RLS
There are three types of RLS that have been classified by the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (www.rls.org):
1. Primary or Familial: Restless Legs Syndrome is found to run in the family. 2. Secondary: RLS happens as a result of another condition such as low iron levels or chronic diseases. 3. Idiopathic: RLS occurs when there is no known associated conditions or family history.
There are many conditions and disorders that can easily mimic the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. Muscle diseases, joint conditions, and circulation difficulties can be mistaken as symptoms of RLS. As stated, there is no known test to provide a definite diagnosis for the Restless Legs Syndrome. So one has to be patient and critical in finding out whether or not he or she has RLS or if it's a different condition.
There is also no definite cure for the Restless Legs Syndrome. There are treatments laid out by health organizations but most of the medications are still being disputed as to its effect in eliminating the condition.
RLS chooses no age. It can start any time. It may start in one's early childhood years or when one is mature enough. As time goes by, the uncomfortable sensations will either worsen or sometimes disappear. Many have reported that the odd and uncomfortable sensations disappear for a time and return when there is inactivity. Symptoms may sometimes permanently disappear. But for most, Restless Legs Syndrome becomes a progressive disease.
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