"I felt as if bugs were crawling under the surface of my legs. I know it sounds nuts, but I kept thinking that if I cut off my legs, the pain would stop. I read tn article about Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and couldn’t believe it. I could have written the story myself. The biggest relief was to know that it wasn’t all in my mind."
Restless Legs Syndrome is a burning, itching, pulling sensation in the legs. People who have it feel the need to stand in the back while attending longer events, such as at the theater or a place of worship.
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This neurologic disorder has four primary features:
• A sensation in the legs that produces an irresistible urge to move
• The sensations are typically relieved by voluntary movement
• Symptoms are worse when the individual is at rest
• Symptoms are worse in the evening when the individual lies down.
Some people who drink caffeinated beverages have symptoms of RLS. These symptoms usually decrease or disappear when caffeine is eliminated.
Others conditions associated with RLS include anemia and low levels of iron, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes, alcoholism, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure and rheumatoid arthritis.
Many people with mild RLS can manage their symptoms without taking drugs.
These treatments include taking hot baths, massaging or rubbing the legs, applying hot or cold packs, restricting caffeine intake and doing regular physical activities.
No drugs cure RLS but some people benefit from a combination of small doses of drugs prescribed by your doctor.
The medications depress the central nervous system and allow a person with RLS to obtain sleep, even though the movements and sensations may continue.
LINDA DIETZ, Senior Coordinator, Wilkin County Public Health, 218-643-7122.
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