An urge to move the legs that is usually, but not always, accompanied by or felt to be caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs.
The urge to move the legs and any accompanying unpleasant sensations begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, such as lying down or sitting.
The urge to move the legs and any accompanying unpleasant sensations are partially or totally relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching, at least as long as the activity continues.
The urge to move the legs and any accompanying unpleasant sensations during rest or inactivity only occur or are worse in the evening or night than during the day.
The occurrence of the preceding features are not solely accounted for as symptoms primary to another medical or behavioural condition, such as:
Family history (this must be investigated , if a child has restless leg syndrome symptoms as it could lead to overdiagnosis of this condition in children))
Nausea and sickness medication: Metoclopramide (Maxolon), Domperidone (Motilium)
Parkinson medication: This can lead to worsening of restless leg symptoms that occurs after starting a dopaminergic medication to treat restless leg (Augmentation).
It can take normally month to years to develop – always use the most lowest effective (dopamine agonist or long-acting dopamine agonists) dose for treatment and/or consider regular trials of dose reduction or frequent drug holidays.
Treatment with dopamine agonists has a well-established association with impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling, binge eating, and hypersexuality.
All patients with symptoms should be tested for iron deficiency.
At a minimum, a ferritin level should be obtained.
A complete iron panel, including iron levels, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron binding capacity, is preferable because the ferritin level can be falsely elevated in acute inflammatory states.
Medscape
Lifestyle tips
For persons with mild symptoms
Lifestyle advice includes good sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and undertaking regular moderate-intensity exercise.
Simple strategies to relieve an episode of RLS include:
Walking, stretching, and massage of the affected limbs; use of heat with heat pads or a hot bath; and relaxation exercises.
Moderate to severe symptoms that significantly affect quality of life
Reinforce lifestyle advice and simple strategies to relieve symptoms (see above)
Also consider medication
Medscape
Vitamin supplement
Vitamin K supplements may help with nocturnal leg cramps (talk to your Medical Doctor if suitable, particularly if taking warfarin)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Restless Leg Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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