Why Restless Legs Syndrome Happens
Restless legs syndrome, or Willis disease, is a fairly common phenomenon. If earlier mostly elderly people encountered it, now this ailment also affects young people. The disease can develop both by itself and accompany other diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus.
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Cause of restless legs syndrome
The main symptoms are heaviness and discomfort in the legs, as well as muscle cramps. Often, patients feel itching and pain in the limbs. As a rule, the pathology spreads to both legs at once, but sometimes the symptoms begin to appear only on one.
This disease has two forms: primary and secondary. Primary (also called idiopathic), usually occurs in youth. It can be inherited, and sometimes it is not possible to establish the cause at all.
Secondary, or symptomatic, may be associated with the development of the following diseases:
- multiple sclerosis;
- diabetes;
- Parkinson's disease;
- vein problems;
- iron deficiency in the body;
- vascular and heart disease;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
In addition, such foot problems can occur during pregnancy, as well as during menopause. In children, this syndrome can be caused by hyperactivity or neurological disorders.
Restless legs syndrome treatment
Despite the fact that restless legs syndrome is a common occurrence, 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, pains in the legs are tormented and insomnia has begun, it is best to make an appointment with a somnologist. This specialist treats various sleep disorders and will help to cope with such pathologies as restless legs syndrome.
There are currently no special medications for the treatment of this disease. Therefore, the doctor finds out what disease triggered the development of the unpleasant syndrome, and tries to eliminate the root cause.
You can also use traditional medicine. For example, a massage that is done with the addition of laurel oil has a good effect. To get it, it is enough to insist 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 lime and lemon balm at night. It is a mild natural sleeping pill that is an excellent substitute for medication.
Prevention of restless legs syndrome
To prevent this unpleasant phenomenon, you must first of all pay attention to your lifestyle. It is necessary to devote time every day to exercise and walks in the fresh air, get enough sleep and not neglect water procedures. Contrast foot baths are especially useful: the combination of hot and cold water has a beneficial effect on the limbs.
With regard to physical exercise, they must first of all be feasible. This can be squatting, jumping rope, running in place, or even walking around the room.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid conflicts and any stressful situations, as well as regularly monitor blood pressure. If you experience unpleasant symptoms, you need to urgently consult a doctor.
Particular attention should be paid to the diet. You should limit the use of chocolate, fatty cheeses, and red fish: it contains tyramine, which aggravates the manifestations of the disease. It is better to refuse 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 dealt with. It is important not to let the situation take its course and consult a doctor in time, then it is possible to get rid of the heaviness and pain in the legs over time.
