It is a nervous system disease in which an unbearable desire to move the legs due to pulling, pushing, numbness, tingling, pain, tingling, cramping, burning and sometimes an undefined sensation felt in the legs during sleep or rest. .
Complaints occur especially in the evening or at night, at rest, such as sitting and lying down, or while falling asleep.
When the person is resting or sleeping, they feel the need to get up and walk or move their feet because of restlessness in their legs. Although moving and stretching the legs temporarily and for a short time reduces the symptoms, the symptoms begin again when the patient rests again. Some patients may have similar uncomfortable sensations in their arms and trunk. Involuntary movements called ‘periodic leg movements’ can be observed in the legs of the patient at night, even while the patient is asleep. These movements often lead to a decrease in the depth of one’s sleep.
Most of the patients complain of not being able to stay asleep even though they are falling asleep. Often, some people get up as soon as they go to bed at night, rub their feet, or even get up and dip them in a basin of cold or hot water, or pace between rooms at night. The patient’s sleep pattern is disturbed. The person lying next to him is also disturbed by the patient’s uneasiness and the constant movement of his leg. Since you do not sleep well at night, the desire to sleep, fatigue, weakness, distraction, and difficulty in concentration appear during the day. Patients avoid social environments (such as cinema, theater) and travels where they need to sit because of the desire to constantly move their legs. Quality of life decreases.
Restless legs syndrome symptoms vary from day to day or from person to person. It may increase over time. It is about twice as common in women as in men. It is a disease whose incidence increases with aging. It can be familial. The familial ones begin in the late period. One out of every 10 people in the community is affected by restless legs syndrome.
There are studies that suggest that restless legs syndrome may be caused by an imbalance in dopamine levels in the brain.
Some of the restless legs syndrome has an underlying cause. Most patients have iron deficiency. It is seen in 30% of pregnant women. It goes away for most at birth. The reason for being pregnant is often iron deficiency. When the iron deficiency is corrected, the complaints in most patients go away. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, polyneuropathy, MS, kidney failure, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, mineral (Ca, Mg) and vitamin deficiency (B12 vit), poor blood circulation in the legs and iron deficiency can cause restless legs syndrome. Smoking, caffeine, tea, cola, chocolate, antidepressants and stomach-protective drugs can increase complaints.
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome:
Some lifestyle changes that can help alleviate their symptoms include:
Arrangements must be made to improve the Quality of Sleep. The sleeping room should be calm, dark, well ventilated. It should not be hot. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Sleep should be avoided during the day. The bed should only be used for sleeping. Stimulating or invigorating things in the evening (working in the evening, eating late, or consuming caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine in the evening) should be avoided.
Warm baths and massages: These can relax muscles and reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Hot or cold packs: Some people say warm, others say hot and cold alternatives are helpful.
Relaxation techniques: Stress can worsen restless legs syndrome. Therefore, exercises such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help.
Exercise: Using the legs more can relieve symptoms. Light exercise should be done and heavy exercise should be avoided.
Parkinson’s Medicines: Patients can benefit from treatment with dopamine-containing Parkinson’s drugs. However, the side effects of these drugs and the effects of increasing insensitivity or complaints may occur over time.
Acupuncture in the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome
Acupuncture is effective for all conditions in restless legs syndrome, with or without any cause. If there is an underlying disease in restless legs syndrome, it can be treated and acupuncture treatment, which is a complementary method, can be applied.
Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of restless legs syndrome by balancing body chemicals. It naturally increases dopamine. Increases stress tolerance. It increases the chemicals of happiness and calms the person. It facilitates sleep. Acupuncture is effective in increasing the quality of life.
