**Reasons, symptoms and treatment methods of restless leg syndrome** Restless leg syndrome, also known as involuntary shaking of the legs, is a movement disorder that can cause a lot of problems for a person. But the questions that may arise in the minds of many people are: In which people does this disorder occur more often? Are you familiar with the symptoms and causes that are related to the nervous system? And finally, can this syndrome be dangerous for a person's health? In this article from the Pirouz Psychology Clinic website, we intend to examine this disorder in detail, its causes and symptoms, as well as its possible risks. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, this article can provide you with valuable information.

What is restless leg syndrome? Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder associated with unpleasant sensations in the legs and a constant need to move them. These symptoms usually intensify at the end of the day and are especially bothersome at night, when a person is resting or sleeping. Many sufferers of this syndrome face problems such as difficulty falling asleep or inability to continue sleeping. This condition not only affects the quality of sleep, but may also affect daily activities. In addition to resting, these symptoms also occur when a person is in a static position for a long time, such as long trips or watching movies. Walking or moving the legs usually relieves the symptoms temporarily, but these unpleasant sensations return after a while. If restless legs syndrome is not treated or managed, it can lead to chronic sleep problems, daily fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Common symptoms of restless legs syndrome - Uncomfortable feeling in the legs when sitting or sleeping - Reduction of symptoms by moving or shaking the legs - Intensification of symptoms in the evening and night - Sudden and involuntary movements of the legs, which sometimes involve the arms as well The symptoms of this disease can vary from mild to severe and sometimes disappear temporarily. In severe cases, this disorder can have a negative effect on the quality of a person's sleep and daily activities. Classification of restless leg syndrome Restless leg syndrome is generally divided into two main types: ### **early type** This type of disorder usually appears before the age of 45 and often has a family history. Its symptoms progress gradually over time, so that a person may experience mild symptoms for years. ### **late type** In this case, the symptoms appear suddenly and more intensely and are usually diagnosed after the age of 45. The progress of this type is faster and may significantly affect the quality of life of the person. Possible causes of restless leg syndrome The exact cause of restless legs syndrome is still not fully known, but researchers believe that genetic factors can play an important role in the occurrence of this disorder. In many cases, examining the family history of affected people shows that in about half of the patients, other family members are also facing the same disorder. This syndrome can be affected by various other factors that occur in certain conditions, including: ### **chronic diseases** - People with diseases such as iron deficiency, Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy may experience symptoms of restless leg syndrome. ### **Medications** - Some drugs such as anti-nausea drugs, pain relievers, antidepressants and antihistamine drugs found in cold and allergy medicines can aggravate the symptoms of this syndrome. ### **pregnancy** - During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, some women suffer from this disorder. Fortunately, these symptoms usually improve after one month of delivery. ### **lifestyle** - Lack of sleep or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also cause or aggravate the symptoms of this disorder. Prevalence of restless legs syndrome As mentioned, restless leg syndrome is a sleep-related movement disorder that occurs during periods of inactivity, especially in the evening, and is temporarily relieved by movement. During sleep, many patients with this disorder have involuntary movements in their limbs, which are called PLMS (involuntary leg movements during sleep). Studies have shown that restless legs syndrome (RLS) of varying severity occurs in about 5 to 15 percent of adults, while clinical estimates put the rate at 2 to 3 percent. The prevalence of this disorder is higher in women than in men, which increases especially during pregnancy. However, gender differences were less apparent among non-pregnant women and men. Also, restless leg syndrome can occur at any age, but with increasing age, its prevalence increases. In children, the prevalence of this disorder is almost half that of adults. Diagnosis of restless leg syndrome Restless leg syndrome is usually diagnosed based on a history of symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may ask you questions about your sleep patterns and symptoms, as well as perform tests to assess your iron levels and kidney function. Diagnosing this disorder in children can be more complicated because it is often accompanied by symptoms such as hyperactivity and sleep disturbances. When should we see a doctor? If you have persistent symptoms such as burning, tingling, pain, itching, or muscle cramps in your legs (and in some cases thighs, hands, or arms), especially if these symptoms are worse at night and when you are resting, it is best to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Failure to diagnose and control restless legs syndrome can affect your quality of life and cause sleep disturbances, decreased concentration, and even problems in social and family relationships. If you are not able to see a doctor in person, you can use the online counseling services of Pirouzh Psychology Center and talk to the specialists of this center. Getting expert guidance can help you control and reduce the symptoms of this disorder. Restless leg syndrome treatment methods The treatment of restless legs syndrome includes several methods that can vary depending on the severity and symptoms of the disease. These methods include the use of iron supplements, lifestyle changes, and the use of certain medications. ### **iron supplements** In patients whose blood ferritin level is less than 50 ng/ml, iron supplementation can be useful. In these people, doctors usually prescribe 65 mg of iron daily. For better absorption of iron, these supplements should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of orange juice; Because vitamin C in orange juice facilitates the absorption of iron. In some people, iron supplementation may cause digestive problems, so it is best to start with lower doses and gradually increase the amount. ### **prescription drugs** For patients with severe restless legs syndrome, a doctor may prescribe certain medications to control symptoms. The type of medicine and the dosage depends on the individual condition of the patient and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Medications usually help to significantly reduce symptoms and, in many cases, make it possible to treat this syndrome. ### **Changes in lifestyle** For people with milder symptoms, simple lifestyle changes can help. Adequate sleep, stress reduction, regular exercise and healthy diet can help improve patients' condition. These changes usually completely reduce the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, and in some cases may even resolve it. Finally, the treatment of this syndrome should be done under the supervision of a specialist doctor and based on the personal situation of each patient.

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