Restless Legs Syndrome Is Incurable Here's How To Manage The Symptoms

(MENAFN- The Conversation) Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease , is a neurological condition that affects about 7% of people.

Typical symptoms include an irresistible urge to move your legs, alongside sensations of aching, crawling, creeping, itching, pulling or throbbing. Until the age of 35, the condition is equally common in men and women, but after that age, RLS affects twice the number of women than men.

Each person's condition is categorised as mild, moderate, severe or very severe according to the international rating scale , which measures the effects of RLS on limb discomfort and sleep disruption, as well as frequency of symptoms.

RLS symptoms have a 24-hour cycle known as a circadian rhythm . Symptoms tend to peak at night, coinciding with the body's increase in melatonin release . Melatonin reduces dopamine – the brain chemical that affects movement and mood – to help us sleep but, because dopamine helps control muscles, low dopamine levels can cause involuntary movements.

There is no test for RLS . Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history. Primary RLS runs in families – there are genetic links to a number of chromosomes . RLS has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning you only need one“defective” copy to present with symptoms. Some cases, however, develop with no known cause.

Other people may develop“secondary” RLS as a result of other conditions, such as iron deficiency anaemia , chronic kidney disease , diabetes , Parkinson's disease , rheumatoid arthritis , underactive thyroid gland , and fibromyalgia . While primary RLS is more common than secondary, the latter is usually more severe and progresses more rapidly .

Risk factors

Age seems to be a risk factor for RLS. In 2000, a study found that 10% of adults aged 30 to 79 have RLS, increasing to 19% of those over the age of 80. However, understanding of the condition has improved since that study was conducted, so it's likely these figures are higher – particularly in children, where some RLS symptoms have been confused with“growing pains” or ADHD in the past.

Women have an increased chance of developing RLS. Approximately one in five women will suffer from restless legs at some point, and some studies suggest as many as one in three women are affected. Women are more likely to suffer from other comorbidities that affect the central nervous system, such as anxiety, depression and migraine , which may be linked to the development of RLS.

Pregnancy is another risk factor. The further you are through the trimesters, the higher your chance of being affected BY RLS – with 8%, 16% and 22% of women suffering through their respective first, second and third trimesters. Multiple pregnancies increase the risk of pregnancy-related RLS , and research has found that women who've given birth may have a higher incidence of RLS in later life, compared with women of the same age who haven't given birth.

Obesity is also considered a risk factor for RLS. One study showed that each 5kg/m2 increase in body mass index increased the likelihood of developing RLS by 31% .

Triggers and treatments

Research has shown smoking and alcohol consumption seem to make RLS worse , so lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and drinking alcohol can help manage symptoms.

Research has also found that exercise and stretching is beneficial for symptom relief or reduction – although study participants suggest that morning exercise is more effective for improving symptoms, while evening exercise can make restless legs worse. Patients with secondary forms of RLS, lower BMI and less severe cases of the condition may benefit the most from lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

Also, treatment of underlying issues can also alleviate or reduce some of the symptoms. For instance, iron deficiency anaemia reduces dopamine levels, which can lead to restless legs. Iron supplements may benefit some sufferers – but the evidence is mixed so supplements won't help everyone.

In terms of medication, research has found that neurological therapies, such as the anticonvulsant Gabapentin – usually prescribed as a treatment for epilepsy – can improve symptoms and overall quality of life for those suffering with restless legs. These therapies target nerve cells in the brain, reducing their activity .

Other medicines – known as dopamine agonists – activate dopamine receptors in the brain to control movement. They are primarily used as a treatment for Parkinson's disease and are effective in managing symptoms of RLS. However, they can disturb your sleep pattern and may increase impulse control disorders , and are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as they can inhibit lactation .

While there may not be a cure for RLS, there is hope for sufferers – and options for managing and reducing symptoms.

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