Physiotherapy for Restless Leg Syndrome
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. 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).
based on the data that is now available. Management is primarily pharmacological; nonpharmacological options are limited.
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.
