The following article lists some simple, informative guidelines that will help you have a better experience with RLS.
There is currently extensive research being conducted worldwide concerning restless leg syndrome (RLS). To date, there has not been any single identifiable cause for restless leg syndrome. Researchers and scientists continue to observe patients, take surveys and gather information that may lead to more definitive information. To date there have been some interesting facts about RLS uncovered from those who suffer from the condition.
Restless Leg Syndrome can lead to sleepless nights, discomfort and fatigue. For some turning to medical cures is the only path, while others prefer a more natural approach. It is known that the drugs used to ease the symptoms of RLS can cause side-effects, can be addictive and/or add to their health problems, leaving some to wonder if there is another way to seek relief from their symptoms.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) strikes at any age and individuals of both sexes can get this syndrome. It comes in two “flavors”, Primary Restless Legs Syndrome and Secondary Restless Legs Syndrome. Primary is when the condition stands by itself without any other underlying condtion. Many patients with primary RLS report that they have a family member with RLS. Secondary is when there is a underlying condition associated with the RLS such as an iron deficiency, kidney failure or pregnancy. Usually if the underlying condition disappears so do the symptoms of RLS. An example is when RLS is associated with a pregnancy, when the baby is born, shortly afterwards the symptoms of RLS disappear.
With the ever present symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, importance is put on finding the best way to find the ways for your body to relax, even when you legs won’t. For some people with less severe RLS symptoms lifestyle changes are often all that is needed to find relief.
Since RLS tends to disrupt times of rest, it is important to find the best way to help your body rest, even when your legs remain active. With simple lifestyle changes, there can be some relief to the ever present RLS symptoms, without disrupting your life or having to worry about side effects from prescription medications.
Television commercials have brought a previously lesser known disorder to the limelight and the discomfort adults feel when faced with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, what is not as well known is that children also live with RLS, though make up a smaller number and tend to be more regularly misdiagnosed. RLS is primarily a clinical diagnosis, or focuses on the history of symptoms. While adults visit their doctor with a list of symptoms and concerns, children are not able to put a name to their symptoms and in turn may not be seen in the same way. One drawback is RLS is seen as an Adult disorder and do not think about it affecting children, though all to often is seen only as “growing pains.” Unfortunately, some 1.5 million children do have the disorder – and what is now being seen as a beginning to understanding how adults acquire the disorder. It is known now that adults with RLS may have begun with symptoms as children, at the time being called “hyperactive,” and “fidgety,” as there was no other explanation according to doctors and knowledge at that time.
Acupuncture has been a well known practice for centuries and is now being used to help relieve symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. Traditional acupuncture actually considers RLS a disorder stemming from problems with the spleen.
A traditional Chinese medical technique, and practiced fro more than 2000 years, acupuncture is used to unblock a persons Chi, an energy that is believed to include all things flowing through the body on pathways referred to as meridians. By inserting the needles of acupuncture into certain points of the body to balance the opposing yin and yang. With this balance, chi can flow through the body keeping the person healthy. The opposite is when a person is sick; it is believed their chi is being obstructed.
Restless leg syndrome seems to be more prevalent in the elderly. The department of geriatrics in Liverpool, U.K., conducted a study that tested the levels of ferritin in the blood of 18 patients, it was found that these patients were found to have lower levels, in turn had a history of RLS. In turn, 18 patients with normal levels did not have the symptoms of RLS. The results provided proof that ferritin levels in the body were directly related to the severity of RLS. While many reports have stated that the low levels of iron, B12 vitamins, folic acid and hemoglobin also play a part in RLS, the Liverpool study did not notice a difference as both groups, no matter the levels in their body, showed not difference between the two. When patients with RLS were given iron supplements over the period of two months, they saw good results and a reduction in symptoms. This, according to researchers, is definite proof that an iron deficiency in the body contributes directly to the development and severity of RLS.
Homeopathic remedies or homeopathic medicines are a popular, yet slightly unknown way to relieve the symptoms restless leg syndrome. The idea of homeopathic medicine is the result of the two separate fields of belief. To start with it believed that a substance, such an herb or medication, when it is prepared in the right way has the ability to bring the body’s natural to heal itself to the surface. In addition, the process of Potentization of one of these substances in which is goes through precise dilutions and succussions – this process brings about a change to the substance that creates a more powerful effect, and eliminates any toxicity. While homeopathy can be used at home for minor illness, for more serious illness, a doctor should be consulted to ensure the proper treatment is being used.
There is currently extensive research being conducted worldwide concerning restless leg syndrome (RLS). To date, there has not been any single identifiable cause for restless leg syndrome. Researchers and scientists continue to observe patients, take surveys and gather information that may lead to more definitive information. To date there have been some interesting facts about RLS uncovered from those who suffer from the condition.
