It is bedtime again. But instead of falling asleep, your partner notices that you are tossing around, trying to relax your legs. Your partner sighs, clearly aware of your almost constant wiggling. It is hard to believe that neither of you will ever have a good night’s sleep again.
This is a common story that we have heard many times. However, many patients see multiple specialists before coming to the right doctor. Although restless legs can be caused by circulation problems, many people believe it to be the primary cause. The symptoms can be used to help you stop restless legs.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
The term restless leg syndrome refers to a range of annoying symptoms that can be found in the legs. Some people have legs that itch, others feel strange sensations in their legs. Others just want to move their legs often or constantly after they sleep. Many people who visit our clinic describe feeling “Creepy crawly” or “water flowing down my legs”. Some even claim to feel the blood moving through their veins.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome
The short answer to your question is. There are many. RLS as a condition is poorly understood. Research has shown that RLS is linked to low iron levels, obesity, smoking, and chronic diseases such as sleep apnea and diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson’s. RLS can also result from poor vein circulation, including chronic veins insufficiency or pelvic vessel compression.
Home Remedies for Stopping RLS Right Now?
Firstly we’ll recommend that you complete any test that is recommended by your health care provider. Any abnormalities should be addressed. Below is a list of the tests that were recommended by your healthcare provider. Your testing should have included an evaluation for possible vein disease.
The first step to stop restless legs caused by vein diseases such as venous remedies”. They don’t require any invasive procedures or traditional medications.
What Tests are used to Diagnose Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
RLS is not a diagnosis that can be made by a single test. Your symptoms will determine the diagnosis. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a variety of tests to try to identify the root cause.
Asleep study, lab work, and nerve conduction studies are all possible tests. However, the most important test that most doctor recommends is an ultrasound of your veins. This can be done in either the legs or the pelvis. These ultrasounds of veins are known as venous Dopplers.
What is the Venus Doppler?
Many times, when the doctors suggest that their patients get a venous doppler they reply by saying they already have one. Many of the patients have had multiple venous dopplers in the past months or years.
Many people suffering from RLS have other symptoms, which could indicate a blood clot, leg pain, or swelling in the leg. The standard venous doppler is used to examine these patients. It only loos for the blood clots.
For people with restless legs, it is difficult to remove a blood clot. A venous doppler is a special type that evaluates blood flow through the veins and how fast it moves. It also looks for structural defects in the veins.
Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome
Sometimes treating an underlying condition such as iron deficiency can greatly alleviate symptoms for RLS. Iron supplementation intravenously or orally may be necessary to correct iron deficiencies. Iron supplements should only be taken under medical supervision after your doctor has accessed your iron level.
If your RLS treatment is not focused on the condition itself, lifestyle changes are recommended. Your doctor may prescribe medication if these aren’t successful.
Be Careful with your Medications
Dopamine medication that has worked for a while can sometimes be used to relieve symptoms. In RLS you may notice. That your symptoms become ineffective or your symptoms return earlier in the day. This is known as augmentation. To treat the problem, your doctor might recommend another medication.
The majority of drugs used to treat are prescriptions for RLS. They are not recommended for pregnant women. Your doctor may suggest self-care methods to alleviate symptoms. Your doctor may allow you to take certain medications. If your symptoms are especially severe in the last trimester.
Whereas, some medications can make symptoms worse in RLS. Some antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-nausea medications, and cold and allergy medications are all included. These drugs may be recommended by your doctor to be avoided if at all possible. Talk to your doctor if you are required to take these drugs in RLS.