Why does restless legs syndrome happen?
Restless legs syndrome, or Willis disease, is a phenomenon that occurs quite often. If previously it was mainly older people who encountered it, now this disease also affects young people. The disease can develop on its own or accompany other diseases, such as diabetes.
Contents
Cause of restless legs syndrome
The main symptoms are heaviness and discomfort in the legs, as well as muscle cramps. Patients often experience itching and pain in the extremities. As a rule, the pathology spreads to both legs at once, but sometimes symptoms begin to appear on only one.
This disease has two forms: primary and secondary. Primary (also called idiopathic), usually occurs in youth. It can be inherited, and sometimes the cause cannot be determined at all.
Secondary, or symptomatic, may be associated with the development of the following diseases:
- multiple sclerosis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- Parkinson's disease;
- vein problems;
- iron deficiency in the body;
- vascular and heart diseases;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
In addition, such leg problems can occur during pregnancy, as well as during menopause. In children, this syndrome may be caused by hyperactivity or neurological disorders.
Treatment for restless legs syndrome
Although restless legs syndrome is a common condition, not every doctor can make the correct diagnosis. Often patients in such cases are treated for nervous disorders. If therapy does not bring the desired results, you have pain in your legs and insomnia has begun, it is best to make an appointment with a somnologist. This specialist treats various sleep disorders and will help cope with pathologies such as restless legs syndrome.
There are currently no special medications to treat this disease. Therefore, the doctor finds out what disease provoked the development of the unpleasant syndrome and tries to eliminate the root cause.
You can also use traditional medicine. For example, a good effect comes from a massage done with the addition of laurel oil. To get it, it is enough to infuse 30 g of laurel leaves in ordinary vegetable oil, of which you need to take half a glass.
To improve sleep, it is useful to drink tea with linden and lemon balm at night. This is a mild natural sleeping pill that is an excellent replacement for medications.
Preventing restless legs syndrome
To prevent this unpleasant phenomenon, you must first pay attention to your lifestyle. It is necessary to devote time every day to exercise and walk in the fresh air, get a good night's sleep and not neglect water procedures. Contrasting foot baths are especially useful: the combination of hot and cold water has a beneficial effect on the limbs.
As for physical exercises, they should first of all be feasible. This could be squats, jumping rope, running in place, or even just walking around the room.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid conflicts and any stressful situations, as well as regularly monitor blood pressure. If unpleasant symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Particular attention should be paid to the diet. You should limit your consumption of chocolate, fatty cheeses, and red fish: it contains tyramine, which increases the manifestations of the disease. It is better to avoid alcohol and any drinks containing caffeine.
If possible, it is advisable to purchase a foot massager. It relaxes well and at the same time strengthens the muscles.
Restless legs syndrome is an unpleasant phenomenon, but it can and should be combated. It is important not to let the situation take its course and consult a doctor in time, then over time you can get rid of the heaviness and pain in your legs.
