Physiotherapy for Restless Leg Syndrome: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) manifests as an irresistible urge to move one's leg. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. It is considered a condition of the nervous system that leads to a movement disorder which causes discomfort during sleep or times of relaxation. Mostly idiopathic in nature, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) has been managed over the years with medical / drug interventions. Recent Physiotherapy interventions aimed towards the management of RLS include exercise training, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), light therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or acupuncture for the treatment of primary RLS, exercise training for the treatment of uremic RLS, and endovenous laser ablation (ELA) for the treatment of RLS with superficial venous insufficiency (SVI).  
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) manifests as an irresistible urge to move one's leg. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. The term RLS was introduced by Karl-Axel Ekbom who encountered a number of outpatients complaining of peculiar and tormenting paraesthesias deep in their lower legs which he had never heard of before. <ref>Ekbom K, Ulfberg J. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2009.02159.x Restless legs syndrome]. Journal of internal medicine. 2009 Nov;266(5):419-31.[https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2009.02159.x]</ref> It is considered a condition of the nervous system that leads to a movement disorder that causes discomfort during sleep or relaxation. Mostly idiopathic in nature, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) has been managed over the years with medical / drug interventions. Recent research interventions aimed towards the management of RLS include exercise training, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), light therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or acupuncture for the treatment of primary RLS, exercise training for the treatment of uremic RLS, and endovenous laser ablation (ELA) for the treatment of RLS with superficial venous insufficiency (SVI). <ref>Ratnani G, Harjpal P. Advancements in Restless Leg Syndrome Management: [https://www.cureus.com/articles/183919-advancements-in-restless-leg-syndrome-management-a-review-of-physiotherapeutic-modalities-and-their-efficacy#!/ A Review of Physiotherapeutic Modalities and Their Efficacy]. Cureus. 2023 Oct 10;15(10).</ref>


== Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome ==
RLS is mostly idiopathic. This means that in most cases, the cause is unknown. It often runs in families and specific gene variants have been associated with the RLS condition. Low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS and may be related to a dysfunction in a part of your brain that controls movement. <ref>https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome#toc-what-is-restless-legs-syndrome-</ref>


based on the data that is now available. Management is primarily pharmacological; nonpharmacological options are limited.
== Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome ==
 
People suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) may experience pain or itching in the muscles, jerking and jittery limbs, and a general discomfort in the legs or other limbs. RLS can interrupt sleep and cause overall discomfort during times of relaxation. This neurological condition has no known cause or cure.  It is considered a movement disorder and has primarily been treated with medicine, but some lifestyle changes including more physical activity during the day might be the best way to manage the condition.
 
Symptoms of “pins and needles”, itchy, numbness, tugging and possibly an intense urge to move a leg are common to RLS or Willis-Ekbom disease.  People of differing ages and both sexes suffer from this condition. While there is no known cause, genetics (>50% of the people presenting with these symptoms report that a family member deals with the same symptoms), high alcohol or caffeine use, pregnancy and some medications that treat a host of conditions can trigger a negative response and outcome. RLS diagnosis is made via a cluster of symptoms and not a single test.
 
Patients might deal with restless leg symptoms for years prior to a positive diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional. Extreme daytime fatigue is a common indicator of RLS. Many patients complain of not sleeping well during the nighttime hours due to the abnormal sensation/feeling in their legs.


== References: ==
== References: ==
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Revision as of 10:40, 26 November 2023

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) manifests as an irresistible urge to move one's leg. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. The term RLS was introduced by Karl-Axel Ekbom who encountered a number of outpatients complaining of peculiar and tormenting paraesthesias deep in their lower legs which he had never heard of before. [1] It is considered a condition of the nervous system that leads to a movement disorder that causes discomfort during sleep or relaxation. Mostly idiopathic in nature, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) has been managed over the years with medical / drug interventions. Recent research interventions aimed towards the management of RLS include exercise training, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), light therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or acupuncture for the treatment of primary RLS, exercise training for the treatment of uremic RLS, and endovenous laser ablation (ELA) for the treatment of RLS with superficial venous insufficiency (SVI). [2]

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome[edit | edit source]

RLS is mostly idiopathic. This means that in most cases, the cause is unknown. It often runs in families and specific gene variants have been associated with the RLS condition. Low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS and may be related to a dysfunction in a part of your brain that controls movement. [3]

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome[edit | edit source]

References:[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Ekbom K, Ulfberg J. Restless legs syndrome. Journal of internal medicine. 2009 Nov;266(5):419-31.[1]
  2. ↑ Ratnani G, Harjpal P. Advancements in Restless Leg Syndrome Management: A Review of Physiotherapeutic Modalities and Their Efficacy. Cureus. 2023 Oct 10;15(10).
  3. ↑ https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome#toc-what-is-restless-legs-syndrome-
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