After the whole day's work one would retire to bed to go to sleep, but your legs might not support you and tend to have a feeling like kicking, stretching or do anything else other than relax or rest. This is known to be the Restless Leg Syndrome which is also known as Elvis Legs or The Gotta-Moves, which mainly affects the area between the ankles and knees. The condition is more noticeable at night if you are lying or sitting for long periods.
There is a feeling that pins pricking or needles pinning or pulling affect due to which you tend to move your legs frequently, one move might reduce your restless feeling but it is mainly observed when the condition is mild. In the most serious condition you observe the pain to be severely interrupting your sleep more often for hours together.
During the milder condition it is more advisable to bring about few of the lifestyle changes and if this isn't helpful then it is time for you to consult your physician. In milder condition it is better to just move your legs or walk around for a while or even stretch your legs, as this might provide certain relief from your restlessness.
Massaging or a heating pad make your legs relax and get relief from the creepy feeling. Some people tend to exercise before going to bed that helps their legs to relax and provide good sleep but for others it might seem to strain and worsen the condition. Take a warm bath and keep your legs in warm water for sometime that relaxes your legs and even the muscles that are clearly felt.
People addicted more to the caffeine or alcohol or cigarettes are more prone to RLS and if continues to increase this habit might even worsen the RLS. Some people who take up vitamin or mineral supplements might ease the affect of RLS. Extra iron may remedy your symptoms if your iron levels are low, a common problem in RLS. B-complex vitamins, calcium and magnesium are more helpful to reduce the restless legs.
On the medical terms there are four types of drugs prescribed commonly to treat restless legs syndrome. Dopaminergic agents like levodopa/ carbidopa or pergolide are of first preference by a doctor. Anticonvulsant like gabapentin might helps in reducing the pain and eases the legs. Benzodiazephine like clonazepam would help some other people to get a sound sleep even in presence of restless legs. Narcotics are mainly preferred if the condition seems to more severe.
The affect of the restless legs syndrome might worsen if ignored at the early stages. It might seem to be hard to understand the syndrome and one might just feel it to be the pain due to the whole day's work and tiredness but do not ignore any such feelings if they tend to pursue for longer days continuously every day. A sound sleep would make one fresh for the next days work and if this is interrupted by any kind of problem for a longer time period then it isn't a small issue but a major problem because it affects your day to day life. Enjoy every bit of your life, stay healthy, stay fit and sleep tight.
