Woman’s Weekly Living Series – July 2019

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HealtH spotligHt

If your legs are

driving you

to distraction, it’s

time to take action

says Dr Melanie

Wynne-Jones

R

estless legs syndrome

(RLS) produces an

almost irresistible

urge to move our legs as we

try to relieve symptoms that

can vary from annoying to

intolerable. It affects around

one in 10 of us, and it

occasionally runs in families.

It’s often linked to

pregnancy, medicines (such

as antihistamines), lifestyle

(see box) and medical

conditions, including iron

and other vitamin/chemical

deficiencies, diabetes, kidney,

thyroid or Parkinson’s,

rheumatoid arthritis and

fibromyalgia. But in many

cases, the underlying cause

isn’t clear, although it

may be linked to low

levels of dopamine, a

chemical messenger (neuro-

transmitter), in brain areas

that control movement.

Levels are naturally lower in

the evening, which is when

symptoms often occur.

The symptoms

RLS produces burning,

itching, crawling, tickling,

throbbing or other odd

sensations in the feet, calves,

thighs and occasionally arms

and other body areas, too,

especially when you’re sitting

or lying for long periods.

It makes you feel you

have to move, rub, stretch

or change position to get

relief and can also be painful

(although it’s different from

muscle cramp), significantly

disturb your rest and

may lead to stress and/or

depression. People with

RLS may also be more at

risk of cardiovascular disease

(CVD), including heart

attacks. This may be related

to poor sleep.

RLS is diagnosed from the

symptoms (happen at least

twice a week, although they

may occur periodically) and

by ruling out other causes.

This may include blood

tests, scans or nerve

conduction studies

to detect

damaged

nerves, and

referral to a

neurologist

(nerve

specialist).

The treatment

Many people find their own

ways to relieve symptoms and

treating any linked conditions

can relieve them, too. Go to

your GP if they’re persistent

to see if you need any tests.

If you decide you can cope

with RLS, treatment isn’t

essential – but it’s a good idea

to maintain a healthy lifestyle

and have checks to help

reduce any CVD risks.

But some people find RLS

so unbearable that they feel

they have to try medication

for relief. Painkillers and

sleeping tablets aren’t

particularly effective and

some can be addictive, but

your GP may prescribe them

for a short time if you’re

particularly stressed. Severe

RLS can be treated with

drugs that increase dopamine

levels, such as ropinirole,

pramipexole and rotigotine

skin patches. However, these

can cause side effects, such

as nausea, headaches and

dizziness. These drugs may

also become ineffective over

time, and returning symptoms

may become even worse.

1

If you are taking

medication, read the

leaflet to see whether

there’s a link.

2

Eat a balanced diet with^

lots of vitamin-rich

fruit and veg. Lose weight

if you’re overweight.

3

Avoid smoking and too

much caffeine or alcohol.^

This can also improve your^

sleep and reduce CVD risks.

4

Take daily exercise to

stretch your muscles,

boost mood and help

weight control.

5

Have a warm bath before^

you go to bed, and keep^

your bedroom slightly cool^

to help you sleep.

6

If RLS strikes, try

a cooling spray or

warm/cold compress,^

walking around, muscle^

stretches, and/or massaging^

the affected area.

7

Relaxation or distraction

techniques can help

during attacks. Yoga,

t’ai chi and mindfulness

may also help.

8

Some osteopaths say

a technique called^

‘Positional release^

manipulation’

can help.

9

For more^

information^

and advice,

visit rls-uk.org.

9 ways to help give relief

Coping with..

ResTless legs