Often unconsciously wiggling your legs, a sign of restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (restless leg syndrome) or also known as Willis-Ekbom's disease, is a nervous system disorder that causes a large and irresistible urge to move the legs. It can also cause a tingling sensation in the legs, calves, and thighs. The sensations are often worse in the afternoon and evening. This sensation can be felt not only in the legs, but also in the arms. Restless leg syndrome is also associated with the forced jerking of the legs and arms, which is known as periodic limb movement during sleep.

Causes of restless leg syndrome (restless leg syndrome)

In most cases, doctors don't know what causes this syndrome, but genes are thought to play a role. Nearly half of people with this syndrome have a family member with the condition. Other factors that have been linked to worsening restless leg syndrome include:

• Chronic disease. Chronic diseases and certain medical conditions, such as iron deficiency, Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often include restless legs. Treating this condition can help resolve it restless leg syndrome .
• Drug. Several types of medications, including anti-nausea medications, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications that contain sedating antihistamines, can worsen symptoms.
• Pregnancy. Some women usually experience restless leg syndrome during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms usually disappear within a month after delivery.

Other factors, such as alcohol use and lack of sleep can also trigger symptoms or make the syndrome worse. Improving sleep patterns or stopping alcohol use, in these cases relieving symptoms.

Signs that you have restless leg syndrome (restless leg syndrome)

1. A strong urge to move the leg

People who feel this urge feel they have to move their legs, and it is often accompanied by a sensation of discomfort. Some words that can be used to describe this sensation include itching, tingling, goosebumps, or pulling.

2. The desire to shake your legs makes it difficult for you to fall asleep

A large number of people who have restless leg syndrome also has periodic during limb movement (PLMS). PLMS is a repetitive motion that occurs every 20-30 seconds and repeats itself throughout the night, causing disturbed sleep. These are not actually included in the diagnostic criteria, but doctors can use them to support the diagnosis.

3.You will feel better when you shake your leg

If the uncomfortable sensation goes away after you wiggle your leg, then this is another sign of restless leg syndrome . Symptoms may disappear completely or only partially, but you will definitely feel better soon after starting the activity. The symptoms will go away as you keep moving your legs.

4. The desire to wiggle your legs will get worse when you are resting

If you suffer restless leg syndrome , the longer you rest, the greater the chance of symptoms. In addition, you will also feel the symptoms get worse at night. If symptoms don't get worse at night, then you may not have restless leg syndrome. Some sufferers can also have severe symptoms during the day.

How to treat restless leg syndrome?

Treatment for restless leg syndrome targeted at symptom reduction. People with both mild and severe restless leg syndrome should make lifestyle changes, such as starting a regular exercise program, establishing a regular sleep pattern, and eliminating or reducing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, to help with treatment. In addition, some non-drug treatments you can do, such as:

• Foot massage
• Take a warm shower
• Hot compress or ice
• Good sleep patterns

Medication can help as treatment restless leg syndrome however, not all drugs help everyone. In fact, drugs that can reduce symptoms in one person may worsen symptoms in another. In other cases, drugs that work for a while may lose their effectiveness over time. Medications that can be used to treat restless leg syndrome include:

• Dopaminergic drugs
• Benzodiazepines
• Painkiller narcotics
• Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure drugs)

Although restless leg syndrome cannot be treated, temporary medication can help you control the condition, reduce symptoms, and improve sleep.

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