Do You Have Restless Leg Syndrome?

Are you up at night with a gnawing feeling in your legs where they do not necessarily hurt, but ache and feel bothersome? Do you feel urges to get up from your desk at work just to move your legs? Some people have these sensations with Restless Leg Syndrome, while others experience some other symptoms such as:

• Tingling and/or a feeling of electricity moving through your legs
• An itchy, aching, or burning sensation
• Twitching of the legs during the night while you sleep
• Feeling like your skin is crawling or a creeping sensation
• Tension and/or pain in the leg

Up to 10% of the population has Restless Leg Syndrome, of which the majority tend to be woman. This condition normally affects those who are middle aged or older. The uncomfortable feeling tends to occur when you are at rest, so you might find yourself experiencing the symptoms more during the nighttime than the daytime. These sensations temporarily go away when you massage, stretch and move the leg, but will return after inactivity. Restless Leg Syndrome can go undiagnosed if the symptoms are intermittent and do not occur on a regular basis. There currently is not a test to diagnose this condition, so your doctor may perform other tests to rule out other possible conditions.

There is not a cure for Restless Leg Syndrome. The way to combat the uncomfortable symptoms that you experience is to begin an exercise program with your doctor’s permission and to also try the following:

• Reduce or eliminate alcohol, tobacco and caffeine
• Get regular leg massages
• Obtain a prescription for one of the many medicines on the market that may ease your symptoms. Talk with your doctor about this option.

Restless Leg Syndrome can be unbearable at times, but you have options in pain relief. It is important that you work with your doctor on ways to ease your discomfort, which will increase the quality of your life during the day and especially during the night.

Dr. Joseph Magnant is a vascular surgeon in the southwest Florida area. If you are experiencing Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms, please call his office for a consultation at 239-694-VEIN. Or schedule a consultation online at WeKnowVeins.com.

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