Few conditions in medicine are more mysterious than “Restless Leg Syndrome”. This is reflected in the name of the condition. The title ‘Restless Leg Syndrome’ is merely repeating to the patient what the patient described to the doctor. The name of the condition embodies only the symptoms and does not provide a diagnosis.
What is it?
Restless Leg Syndrome is just what the title implies. Usually, the symptoms are legs that need to keep moving at night due to some kind of abnormal sensation. Many people described this as bugs under their skin, or just a restlessness that does not allow them to sleep well.
The reason for Restless Leg Syndrome is primarily a neurologic disorder. This can either be due to some metabolic disease like diabetes, or thyroid conditions. Also, the cause could be toxin exposure that causes damage to the nerves. Toxin exposure may be from chemicals, medications, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, surgery especially on the knee causes this condition.
Is there any help for Restless Leg Syndrome?
Certain medications can mask the symptoms and make life more tolerable.
Certain physical therapies can be very effective in helping the nerves recover. Laser therapy, electrical nerve signal therapy, and even exercise can be quite helpful.
Nutritional supplements that help support normal nerve function can also be quite helpful.
On some occasions, restless leg syndrome is caused by a nerve getting pinched in the leg. Sometimes a surgery to release the nerve and get the pressure off the nerve can be very helpful in alleviating or even eliminating the symptoms.
So, if you have been diagnosed with “restless leg syndrome” and are really unsatisfied with that diagnosis or the treatments, give Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic a call. We can usually provide very effective solutions to this problem.