RLS Treatment in Annapolis, MD

Restless Legs Syndrome

The board-certified sleep specialists provide specialized testing and treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome at our sleep center in Annapolis, MD. To learn more about the symptoms of RLS, the causes, and how your RLS can be treated, please call (410) 266-1644 to schedule your consultation with our sleep specialists today. Your sleep specialist may recommend a sleep evaluation or an at-home sleep study to determine if your symptoms are related to RLS and to determine a treatment plan based on your results.

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is the nearly uncontrollable urge to move your legs, typically to relieve a sensation that is uncomfortable. This condition most often occurs in the evening hours, or when you’re sitting or lying down. Because this sensation often happens during times of relaxation or sleep, RLS is known to cause sleepiness and exhaustion, thus affecting mood, concentration, and daily performance and potentially causing depression and anxiety.

What Are the Symptoms of RLS?

Although the main, recurring symptom of RLS is the urge to move the legs or affected part of the body, other symptoms may include:

• Aching or throbbing in legs or other parts of the body (although less common in the arms, chest, and head)
• Difficulty falling and staying asleep due to pain
• Awaking to a symptom-free feeling in the morning
• Twitching of the legs during the nighttime
• Finding relief with constant movement such as jiggling, pacing, and walking

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above with an abnormal sensation in any of your limbs, or on either or both sides of your body, you may be experiencing RLS. It’s important to track your symptoms as they may fluctuate in severity and consistency.

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

There’s typically not a specific root cause for RLS in most cases, but there are certain conditions that may be related to RLS, such as:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Family history of RLS
• Pregnancy, most commonly in the last trimester
• Overuse of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine
• Sleep apnea or deprivation, along with other sleep conditions
• Iron deficiency
• Parkinson’s disease
• End-stage renal disease

There is also evidence that RLS may be related to a disruption of the brain’s dopamine flow. Because of this disruption, a person may not be able to produce enough dopamine the have smooth muscle activity, resulting in a feeling of restlessness in their limbs.

How is RLS Diagnosed and Treated?

When diagnosing RLS, there is no specific test to rule out other factors. However, a doctor will use the patient’s descriptions of symptoms and how they found relief in order to determine if it is, indeed, RLS. In addition, there may be cause for a physical or neurological exam and lab testing in order to rule out other conditions.

When treating RLS, the main course of action is finding consistent relief for any symptoms. Although the condition may be lifelong, there are possible treatment options such as:

• Decreasing alcohol and tobacco use
• Adjusting sleep patterns
• Exercising
• Getting consistent massages on the affected area
• Using a heating pad or ice pack
• Taking iron supplements
• Taking certain medications associated with other conditions, although this is at the discretion of your doctor

Schedule an Appointment for Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment in Annapolis, MD Today!

Although RLS does not clearly indicate a neurological disease, it’s important to discuss any and all symptoms with the sleep specialists at Annapolis Asthma, Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists to rule out any possibilities. If you are experiencing symptoms of RLS and would like to discuss your diagnosis and treatment, contact our sleep center in Annapolis, MD, by calling (410) 266-1644 to determine the proper course of action for managing your symptoms!