Who It Affects
Most often, The syndrome is found in middle aged to older adults. However, this could be because younger individuals ignore the signs and symptoms of the disorder. Some, it is even believed, have suffered from the condition for ten to twenty years before ever saying anything. This, then, can skew the results of the age of most common affliction of the condition.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
The syndrome is the condition in which there is the presence of discomfort in the legs of an individual for no apparent cause. The feeling that often is associated with this disorder is the pins and needles sensation that can creep up and claim the comfort level of an individual. Symptoms of restless leg can be minor or extreme. Most often, the symptoms present when an individual is resting or at sleep. At this time, the sensations of itchiness or chills in the body can really cause problems. Restless leg syndrome may cause individuals to miss work, sleep, or other activities based on their discomfort.
(Photo credit: Bryan Gosline)
What Are The Causes?
The frustrating part for those suffering from restless leg is that doctors are very much still baffled by what causes the disorder. There is a genetic component to the condition. This genetic connection of causation is being determined because of those affected by the disorder, close to fifty percent also have a relative with the condition. Though there may not be a clear causation of the disorder, there have been things associated with disease.
Chronic diseases including kidney failure and diabetes have been found to be associated with the condition as well. When chronic diseases are under control, some individuals say that there restless leg syndrome symptoms have also been diminished. Other medical professionals believe that there can be a link between certain medications that are being taken by an individual as well as pregnancy and the condition.
Pregnant women, especially, say that during the third trimester of pregnancy their symptoms increased drastically. Then, about a month after birthing, the symptoms once again subsided. Altering medications or hormonal changes during pregnancy can be one cause of the syndrome.
Diagnosis
Because there is not a full understanding of what the syndrome really is and what causes it, this means that the testing for diagnosis of the disorder is limited. Doctors will most likely run tests to determine if restless leg syndrome is occurring but to rule out other conditions that may be present in the body. It is a game of elimination, coupled with questions for the patients, which doctors participate in in order to diagnose the condition.
Frustrations with the Syndrome
As the above discussion illustrates, there may be more questions than answers regarding restless leg syndrome today. However, individuals suffering from the condition should take solace in knowing that studies are being completed which may someday help to define the perimeters and conditions as to why the condition is occurring.
Also, there are some therapies and medications available that also can help to dissuade the pain associated with the condition. The best thing to do if you have or suspect that you have restless leg syndrome is to talk to your healthcare provider and physician. He or she will be able to guide you in the appropriate way to combat the annoying and painful disease.
