Latest news with #RestlessLegsSyndrome
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Understanding Dystonia, the Disorder Causing Involuntary Muscle Contractions
You know how frustrating it is when your own muscles won't cooperate if you have dystonia. This neurological movement disorder is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements or awkward postures. Involuntary muscle movements disrupt normal muscle control. These abnormal muscle movements result in uncontrollable muscle movements making it hard to maintain normal posture or do everyday tasks. Dystonia symptoms vary but common symptoms of dystonia are muscle spasms, twisting, tremors and abnormal postures. The muscle movements in dystonia are often repetitive and can be painful or disabling. It can be as focused as a writer's cramp in your hand or as widespread as to affect your entire body, different types of dystonia present in different ways, and is not in common with other disorders such as Restless Legs Syndrome. But here's the good news: you have more control than you think. Dystonia can affect any part of the body, from neck and face to limbs and trunk. Dystonia affects muscle control and daily functioning, often quality of life. Advances in treatment have changed the game for people with dystonia. From highly targeted injections to advanced surgical techniques, modern medicine has a powerful arsenal to manage symptoms and get your life back. Let's break it down. Table of Contents Before we get into treatments, let's understand what's going on. Think of the basal ganglia as the conductor of a symphony in your brain, responsible for making sure all your movements are smooth and coordinated. In dystonia, the conductor is giving out bad notes and certain muscles are contracting when they shouldn't. This can happen in one body part (focal dystonia), like the neck (cervical dystonia) or eyelids (blepharospasm). When it affects adjacent areas, it's called segmental dystonia, and when it's most of the body, it's generalized dystonia. Sometimes it's genetic or no known cause (primary dystonia), and other times it's from a brain injury, stroke or even a reaction to certain medications (secondary dystonia). When you hear 'botulinum toxin,' you probably think of cosmetics, but it's one of the most powerful therapeutic tools in neurology. For focal dystonias, these injections are the gold standard. Imagine a light switch for your muscle is stuck in the 'on' position. A botulinum toxin injection is like a dimmer, turning down the signal that tells the muscle to contract. It works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that tells muscles to move. The injections are targeted directly into the affected muscles to reduce abnormal contractions. For example, in cervical dystonia, the condition affects the neck muscles and a common subtype is spasmodic torticollis which causes involuntary twisting or tilting of the head. If patients develop resistance to type A, botulinum toxin type B is available as an alternative. The result? The overactive muscle relaxes and the involuntary pulling or twisting subsides and you get significant relief from muscle spasms. Treatments are needed every 3-4 months to maintain the effect. Clinical guidelines from leading medical organizations strongly support its use especially for conditions like spasmodic dysphonia, a type of dystonia that affects the vocal cords [1]. The benefits are predictable and side effects are usually minimal and temporary [5]. If botulinum toxin doesn't work, other treatments like oral medications or surgical interventions may be considered. To make these injections even more effective, doctors often use a technique called electromyography (EMG). Think of it as a GPS for your muscles. By inserting a tiny needle electrode, the doctor can 'listen' to the electrical activity in the muscle. This ensures the botulinum toxin is delivered to the exact spot where the overactivity is happening. Getting the right muscles is key, as targeting the right muscles means better results. This high-tech approach is more accurate, often allows for a lower dose of medication, reduces side effects and can make the relief last longer [6]. For those with generalised dystonia (also spelled generalised dystonia) or segmental dystonia or where injections aren't enough, oral medications are part of the management plan. These work systemically – meaning they affect the whole body not just one muscle group. The most common ones are: Systemic treatments are needed for various dystonia subtypes including truncal dystonia, limb dystonia, dopa responsive dystonia, myoclonus dystonia, and rapid onset dystonia parkinsonism. Researchers are looking into new options like sodium oxybate and zonisamide to add to this armoury [6]. For dystonia that doesn't respond to medications or injections, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been a miracle. It's a surgical option that sounds like science fiction but is now a standard of care for treatment-resistant dystonia. This surgical treatment is considered when all other therapies have failed to help. The goal of DBS is to treat dystonia by reducing muscle contractions and improving quality of life. Here's how it works: a surgeon implants very thin wires, or electrodes, into the globus pallidus internus—a part of the basal ganglia that's overactive in dystonia. These electrodes are connected to a small, battery-operated device, like a heart pacemaker, that's implanted under the skin of the chest.t. This device sends gentle electrical pulses to the brain, interrupting the abnormal signals that cause the dystonic movements. For a deeper dive into how this technology works, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides excellent patient-focused resources. One of the biggest advantages of DBS is that it is both reversible and adjustable [3]. A neurologist can fine-tune the stimulation externally to achieve the best possible symptom control. It has proven to be a life-altering therapy, especially for those with severe generalized dystonia. However, while DBS can significantly improve symptoms, it does not cure dystonia. Treatments are important but only part of the picture. Rehabilitative therapy is what helps you turn reduced symptoms into daily function. According to the guidelines, specialized occupational and physical therapists can help you learn to manage your body in new ways [2]. These are especially helpful for dystonia patients as they address the unique challenges of the condition. Therapy focuses on: The future is looking bright. Researchers are working on longer-acting botulinum toxin formulas so you'll need fewer injections a year [6]. As we learn more about the genetic roots of some dystonias, we're getting closer to personalized, gene-targeted treatments. And non-invasive techniques that stimulate the brain from the outside, like TMS, are being explored to control symptoms without surgery. To stay up to date on the latest clinical trials and research check out PubMed. Living with dystonia is tough but it's a condition you can manage. From the precision of botulinum toxin injections to the magic of deep brain stimulation, the treatments are real and measurable. Work with a multidisciplinary team that includes a neurologist, therapists and maybe a surgeon and you can build a personalized plan to quiet the unwanted muscle signals and get your body back in harmony. [1] Stachler, R. J., Francis, D. O., Schwartz, S. R., Damask, C. C., Digoy, G. P., Krouse, H. J., McCoy, S. J., Ouellette, D. R., Patel, R. R., Reavis, C. C. W., Smith, L. J., Smith, M., Strode, S. W., Woo, P., & Nnacheta, L. C. (2018). Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia) (Update). Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 158(1_suppl), S1–S42. [2] Nicholson, C., Edwards, M. J., Carson, A. J., Gardiner, P., Golder, D., Hayward, K., Humblestone, S., Jinadu, H., Lumsden, C., MacLean, J., Main, L., Macgregor, L., Nielsen, G., Oakley, L., Price, J., Ranford, J., Ranu, J., Sum, E., & Stone, J. (2020). Occupational therapy consensus recommendations for functional neurological disorder. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, 91(10), 1037–1045. [3] Tagliati, M., Shils, J., Sun, C., & Alterman, R. (2004). Deep brain stimulation for dystonia. Expert review of medical devices, 1(1), 33–41. [4] Snaith, A., & Wade, D. (2014). Dystonia. BMJ clinical evidence, 2014, 1211. [5] Dressler, D., Adib Saberi, F., & Rosales, R. L. (2021). Botulinum toxin therapy of dystonia. Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996), 128(4), 531–537. [6] Lizarraga, K. J., Al-Shorafat, D., & Fox, S. (2019). Update on current and emerging therapies for dystonia. Neurodegenerative disease management, 9(3), 135–147.
Health Line
27-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Everything You Need To Know About Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Key takeaways Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that can cause unpleasant sensations in the legs, along with a powerful urge to move them. While RLS is a chronic condition with no cure, medication, such as dopaminergic agents, can help manage symptoms. Home remedies, such as yoga and massage, may also help to reduce symptoms, but it may take some trial and error to find the remedies that are most helpful. Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological disorder. RLS is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, or RLS/WED. RLS causes unpleasant sensations in the legs, along with a powerful urge to move them. For most people, that urge is more intense when you're relaxed or trying to sleep. The most serious concern for people with RLS is that it interferes with sleep, causing daytime sleepiness and fatigue. RLS and sleep deprivation can put you at risk for other health problems, including depression if not treated. RLS affects about 10 percent of Americans, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It can occur at any age, though it's usually more severe in middle age or later. Women are twice as likely as men to have RLS. At least 80 percent of people with RLS have a related condition called periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). PLMS causes the legs to twitch or jerk during sleep. It can happen as often as every 15 to 40 seconds and can continue all night long. PLMS can also lead to sleep deprivation. RLS is a lifelong condition with no cure, but medication can help manage symptoms. What are the symptoms? The most prominent symptom of RLS is the overwhelming urge to move your legs, especially when you're sitting still or lying in bed. You might also feel unusual sensations like a tingling, crawling, or pulling sensation in your legs. Movement may relieve these sensations. If you have mild RLS, symptoms may not occur every night. And you might attribute these movements to restlessness, nervousness, or stress. A more severe case of RLS is challenging to ignore. It can complicate the simplest activities, like going to the movies. A long plane ride can also be difficult. People with RLS are likely to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because symptoms are worse at night. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep deprivation can harm your physical and mental health. Symptoms usually affect both sides of the body, but some people have them on only one side. In mild cases, symptoms may come and go. RLS can also affect other parts of the body, including your arms and head. For most people with RLS, symptoms worsen with age. People with RLS often use movement as a way to relieve symptoms. That might mean pacing the floor or tossing and turning in bed. If you sleep with a partner, it may well be disturbing their sleep as well. What causes restless legs syndrome? More often than not, the cause of RLS is a mystery. There may be a genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger. More than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. In fact, there are five gene variants associated with RLS. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age 40. There may be a connection between RLS and low levels of iron in the brain, even when blood tests show that your iron level is normal. RLS may be linked to a disruption in the dopamine pathways in the brain. Parkinson's disease is also related to dopamine. That may explain why many people with Parkinson's also have RLS. Some of the same medications are used to treat both conditions. Research on these and other theories is ongoing. It's possible that certain substances like caffeine or alcohol can trigger or intensify symptoms. Other potential causes include medications to treat: allergies nausea depression psychosis Primary RLS isn't related to an underlying condition. But RLS can actually be an offshoot of another health problem, like neuropathy, diabetes, or kidney failure. When that's the case, treating the main condition may resolve RLS issues. Risk factors for restless legs syndrome There are certain things that may put you in a higher risk category for RLS. But it's uncertain if any of these factors actually cause RLS. Some of them are: Gender: Women are twice as likely as men to get RLS. Age: Although you can get RLS at any age, it's more common and tends to be more severe after middle age. Family history: You're more likely to have RLS if others in your family have it. Pregnancy: Some women develop RLS during pregnancy, particularly in the last trimester. This usually resolves within weeks of delivery. Chronic diseases: Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure, may lead to RLS. Often treating the condition relieves symptoms of RLS. Medications: Antinausea, antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antihistamine medications may trigger or aggravate symptoms of RLS. Ethnicity: Anyone can get RLS, but it's more common in people of Northern European descent. Having RLS can affect your overall health and quality of life. If you have RLS and chronic sleep deprivation, you may be a higher risk of: heart disease stroke diabetes kidney disease depression early death Diagnosing restless legs syndrome There isn't one single test that can confirm or rule out RLS. A large part of the diagnosis will be based on your description of symptoms. To reach a diagnosis of RLS, all the following must be present: overwhelming urge to move, usually accompanied by strange sensations symptoms get worse at night and are mild or absent in the early part of the day sensory symptoms are triggered when you try to relax or sleep sensory symptoms ease up when you move Even if all the criteria are met, you'll probably still need a physical examination. Your doctor will want to check for other neurological reasons for your symptoms. Be sure to provide information about any over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements you take. And tell your doctor if you have any known chronic health conditions. Blood tests will check for iron and other deficiencies or abnormalities. If there's any sign that something besides RLS is involved, you may be referred to a sleep specialist, neurologist, or other specialist. It may be harder to diagnose RLS in children who aren't able to describe their symptoms. Home remedies for restless legs syndrome Home remedies, while unlikely to completely eliminate symptoms, may help reduce them. It may take some trial and error to find the remedies that are most helpful. Here are a few you can try: Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Strive for a regular sleep schedule, with the same bedtime and wake-up time every day of the week. Get some exercise every day, such as walking or swimming. Massage or stretch your leg muscles in the evening. Soak in a hot bath before bed. Use a heating pad or ice pack when you experience symptoms. Practice yoga or meditation. When scheduling things that require prolonged sitting, such as a car or plane trip, try to arrange them for earlier in the day rather than later. If you have an iron or other nutritional deficiency, ask your doctor or nutritionist how to improve your diet. Talk to your doctor before adding dietary supplements. It can be harmful to take certain supplements if you aren't deficient. These options may be useful even if you take medication to manage RLS. Medications for restless legs syndrome Medication won't cure RLS, but it can help manage symptoms. Some options are: Drugs that increase dopamine (dopaminergic agents) These medications help decrease motion in your legs. Drugs in this group include: pramipexole (Mirapex) ropinirole (Requip) rotigotine (Neupro) Side effects may include mild lightheadedness and nausea. These medications can become less effective over time. In some people, they can cause daytime sleepiness impulse control disorders, and worsening of RLS symptoms. Sleep aids and muscle relaxants (benzodiazepines) These medications don't completely eliminate symptoms, but they can help you relax and sleep better. Drugs in this group include: clonazepam (Klonopin) eszopiclone (Lunesta) temazepam (Restoril) zaleplon (Sonata) zolpidem (Ambien) Side effects include daytime sleepiness. Narcotics (opioids) These medications can decrease pain and strange sensations and help you relax. Drugs in this group include: codeine oxycodone (Oxycontin) combined hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco) combined oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet) Side effects may include dizziness and nausea. You should not use these products if you have sleep apnea. These medicines are powerful and addicting. Anticonvulsants These medications help lessen sensory disturbances: gabapentin (Neurontin) gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) pregabalin (Lyrica) Side effects may include dizziness and fatigue. It may take several attempts before you find the right medication. Your doctor will adjust the medication and dosage as your symptoms change. Children can experience the same tingling and pulling sensations in their legs as adults with RLS. But they may have a hard time describing it. They might call it a 'creepy crawly' feeling. Children with RLS also have an overwhelming urge to move their legs. They're more likely than adults to have symptoms during the day. RLS can interfere with sleep, which can affect every aspect of life. A child with RLS may seem inattentive, irritable, or fidgety. They may be labeled disruptive or hyperactive. Diagnosing and treating RLS can help address these problems and improve school performance. To diagnose RLS in children up to age 12, the adult criteria must be met: overwhelming urge to move, usually accompanied by strange sensations symptoms worsen at night symptoms are triggered when you try to relax or sleep symptoms ease up when you move Additionally, the child must be able to describe the leg sensations in their own words. Otherwise, two of these must be true: There's a clinical sleep disturbance for age. A biological parent or sibling had RLS. A sleep study confirms a periodic limb movement index of five or more per hour of sleep. Any dietary deficiencies must be addressed. Children with RLS should avoid caffeine and develop good bedtime habits. If necessary, medications that affect dopamine, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Diet recommendations for people with restless legs syndrome There aren't any specific dietary guidelines for people with RLS. But it's a good idea to review your diet to make sure you're getting enough essential vitamins and nutrients. Try to cut high-calorie processed foods with little or no nutritional value. Some people with symptoms of RLS are deficient in particular vitamins and minerals. If that's the case, you can make some changes to your diet or take dietary supplements. It all depends on what your test results show. If you're deficient in iron, try adding more of these iron-rich foods to your diet: dark green leafy vegetables peas dried fruit beans red meat and pork poultry and seafood iron-fortified foods such as certain cereals, pasta, and bread Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so you might also want to pair iron-rich foods with these sources of vitamin C: citrus juices grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, strawberries, kiwi, melons tomatoes, peppers broccoli, leafy greens Caffeine is tricky. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others. It's worth a little experimentation to see if caffeine affects your symptoms. Alcohol can make RLS worse, plus it's known to disrupt sleep. Try to avoid it, especially in the evening. Restless legs syndrome and sleep Those strange sensations in your legs can be uncomfortable or painful. And those symptoms can make it almost impossible to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue are dangerous to your health and well-being. In addition to working with your doctor to find relief, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of restful sleep: Inspect your mattress and pillows. If they're old and lumpy, it may be time to replace them. It's also worth investing in comfortable sheets, blankets, and pajamas. Make sure window shades or curtains block outside light. Remove all digital devices, including clocks, away from your bed. Remove bedroom clutter. Keep your bedroom temperature on the cool side so you don't get overheated. Put yourself on a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. It'll help support a natural sleep rhythm. Stop using electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. Just before bedtime, massage your legs or take a hot bath or shower. Try sleeping with a pillow between your legs. It might help prevent your nerves from compressing and triggering symptoms. Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy Symptoms of RLS can spring up for the first time during pregnancy, usually in the last trimester. Data suggests that pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk of RLS. The reasons for this aren't well-understood. Some possibilities are vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal changes, or nerve compression. Pregnancy can also cause leg cramps and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can be hard to distinguish from RLS. If you're pregnant and have symptoms of RLS, talk to your doctor. You may need to be tested for iron or other deficiencies. You can also try some of these home care techniques: Avoid sitting still for prolonged periods, especially in the evening. Try to get a little exercise every day, even if it's just an afternoon walk. Massage your legs or perform leg stretching exercises before bed. Try using heat or cold on your legs when they're bothering you. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Avoid antihistamines, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. Make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need from your diet or from prenatal vitamins. Some of the medications used to treat RLS are not safe to use during pregnancy. RLS in pregnancy usually goes away on its own within weeks after giving birth. If it doesn't, see your doctor about other remedies. Be sure to mention if you are breast-feeding. Restless arm, restless body, and other related conditions It's called restless 'leg' syndrome, but it can also affect your arms, trunk, or head. Both sides of the body are usually involved, but some people have it on only one side. Despite these differences, it's the same disorder. About 80 percent of people with RLS also have periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). This causes involuntary leg twitching or jerking during sleep that can last all night long. Peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure cause symptoms like RLS. Treating the underlying condition often helps. Many people with Parkinson's disease also have RLS. But most people who have RLS don't go on to develop Parkinson's. The same medications can improve symptoms of both conditions. It's not uncommon for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to have sleep disturbances, including restless legs, limbs, and body. They're also prone to muscles spasms and cramps. Medication used to combat fatigue associated with chronic diseases can also cause this. Medication adjustments and home remedies may help. Pregnant women are at higher risk of RLS. It usually resolves on its own after the baby is born. Anyone can have occasional leg cramps or strange sensations that come and go. When symptoms interfere with sleep, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention any underlying health conditions. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, RLS affects about 10 percent of Americans. This includes one million school-age children. Among people with RLS, 35 percent had symptoms before age 20. One in ten report symptoms by age 10. Symptoms tend to worsen with age. Incidence is twice as high in women as in men. Pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk than the general population. It's more common in people of Northern European descent than in other ethnicities. Certain antihistamines, antinausea, antidepressant, or antipsychotic medications can trigger or worsen symptoms of RLS. About 80 percent of people with RLS also have a disorder called periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). PLMS involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep. Most people with PLMS don't have RLS. Most of the time, the cause of RLS isn't obvious. But more than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age 40. There are five gene variants associated with RLS. The change in the BTBD9 gene associated with higher risk of RLS is present in about 75 percent of people with RLS. It's also found in about 65 percent of people without RLS.
Economic Times
20-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Link between restless leg syndrome and kidney disease found in new research. Who are at risk? Check symptoms
A recent study highlights that individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those undergoing dialysis, face a significantly higher risk of developing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The condition, marked by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs during rest, is strongly linked to iron deficiency—common in CKD patients due to inflammation, poor iron absorption, and blood loss. Symptoms often worsen at night and disrupt sleep. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Why CKD Patients Are More at Risk Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Recognising the Symptoms Discomfort after sitting or lying down for long periods Temporary relief through leg movement or stretching Trouble falling or staying asleep due to nighttime symptoms Involuntary leg movements during sleep Difficulty focusing and low mood due to sleep disruption Causes Beyond Kidney Disease Managing RLS: Treatment and Lifestyle Support Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine Taking warm baths or using heating pads and ice packs Trying leg massages or gentle stretching before bed Using devices such as vibration pads or pressure wraps for temporary relief ( Originally published on Jun 20, 2025 ) A growing body of research has highlighted a strong association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition that significantly affects sleep and quality of life. Individuals undergoing dialysis are particularly vulnerable, as their risk of developing RLS is much higher due to complications like iron Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly during periods of rest or inactivity. The discomfort is often described as crawling, itching, aching, or pulling sensations. These symptoms tend to worsen in the evening or at night and are usually relieved by the legs are primarily affected, in some cases, the arms may also experience similar sensations. RLS can disrupt sleep and, over time, lead to mood disturbances, chronic fatigue, and impaired shows that nearly one in four people with chronic kidney disease suffer from RLS, with higher prevalence among those on hemodialysis. This increased risk is largely tied to iron deficiency, which is common in CKD patients due to factors like blood loss during dialysis, poor iron absorption, and ongoing imaging and spinal fluid analysis in people with RLS reveal low iron concentrations, particularly in areas that regulate dopamine—a chemical essential for muscle control. In kidney disease, both absolute and functional iron deficiencies are often seen. Patients tend to have reduced levels of ferritin and transferrin saturation, along with elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), indicating iron imbalance that may directly contribute to RLS symptoms of RLS vary in intensity but commonly include:In severe cases, these symptoms can appear more than twice a week, significantly affecting daily life and mental many RLS cases are linked to CKD and iron deficiency, other health conditions also contribute. These include diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurological disorders involving dopamine pathways, such as Parkinson's disease. Genetics also play a role, as the condition is known to run in families. In some individuals, no specific cause can be there is currently no cure for RLS, various treatments can help manage symptoms. Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation, where appropriate, is often a primary focus in CKD patients. Limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco—especially in the evening—can also reduce symptom helpful strategies include:For patients with CKD, early identification and management of RLS can significantly improve sleep and overall well-being. Monitoring iron levels and treating deficiencies proactively is key in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Link between restless leg syndrome and kidney disease found in new research. Who are at risk? Check symptoms
A growing body of research has highlighted a strong association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition that significantly affects sleep and quality of life. Individuals undergoing dialysis are particularly vulnerable, as their risk of developing RLS is much higher due to complications like iron deficiency. What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Restless Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly during periods of rest or inactivity. The discomfort is often described as crawling, itching, aching, or pulling sensations. These symptoms tend to worsen in the evening or at night and are usually relieved by movement. While the legs are primarily affected, in some cases, the arms may also experience similar sensations. RLS can disrupt sleep and, over time, lead to mood disturbances, chronic fatigue, and impaired focus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Dividend Stocks for May 2025 Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo Why CKD Patients Are More at Risk Research shows that nearly one in four people with chronic kidney disease suffer from RLS, with higher prevalence among those on hemodialysis. This increased risk is largely tied to iron deficiency, which is common in CKD patients due to factors like blood loss during dialysis, poor iron absorption, and ongoing inflammation. Brain imaging and spinal fluid analysis in people with RLS reveal low iron concentrations, particularly in areas that regulate dopamine—a chemical essential for muscle control. In kidney disease, both absolute and functional iron deficiencies are often seen. Patients tend to have reduced levels of ferritin and transferrin saturation, along with elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), indicating iron imbalance that may directly contribute to RLS symptoms. Recognising the Symptoms The symptoms of RLS vary in intensity but commonly include: Discomfort after sitting or lying down for long periods Temporary relief through leg movement or stretching Trouble falling or staying asleep due to nighttime symptoms Involuntary leg movements during sleep Difficulty focusing and low mood due to sleep disruption In severe cases, these symptoms can appear more than twice a week, significantly affecting daily life and mental well-being. Causes Beyond Kidney Disease While many RLS cases are linked to CKD and iron deficiency, other health conditions also contribute. These include diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurological disorders involving dopamine pathways, such as Parkinson's disease. Genetics also play a role, as the condition is known to run in families. In some individuals, no specific cause can be identified. Managing RLS: Treatment and Lifestyle Support Though there is currently no cure for RLS, various treatments can help manage symptoms. Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation, where appropriate, is often a primary focus in CKD patients. Limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco—especially in the evening—can also reduce symptom flare-ups. Other helpful strategies include: Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine Taking warm baths or using heating pads and ice packs Trying leg massages or gentle stretching before bed Using devices such as vibration pads or pressure wraps for temporary relief For patients with CKD, early identification and management of RLS can significantly improve sleep and overall well-being. Monitoring iron levels and treating deficiencies proactively is key in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kidney health and Restless Legs Syndrome explained: Symptoms, causes, and cure
A recent study has identified chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients—especially those undergoing dialysis—as a group at significantly higher risk of developing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The research highlights that RLS symptoms are highly prevalent in this population and are closely associated with iron deficiency, a condition frequently seen in CKD due to chronic inflammation, poor dietary intake, and blood loss. A 2016 meta-analysis found that nearly one in four CKD patients experiences RLS, with higher rates among those on hemodialysis. Further, brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies have shown lower iron concentrations in certain areas in RLS patients, suggesting that central, rather than peripheral, iron deficiency is more relevant to symptom development. In CKD, this imbalance is often worsened by dialysis-related blood loss and systemic inflammation. The study further noted that CKD patients with RLS had lower levels of serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and serum iron, along with elevated TIBC, pointing to both absolute and functional iron deficiency. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and iron-targeted therapy in managing RLS symptoms and improving overall quality of life in CKD patients. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)? Restless Legs Syndrome—also called Willis-Ekbom Disease—is a neurological and sensory condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. It typically occurs during periods of rest or inactivity, especially in the evening or at night, making it a sleep-disrupting disorder. The condition tends to worsen in the evening and improves with movement. People often describe the sensations as aching, itching, throbbing, crawling, or pulling in the legs. Though it mostly affects the legs, it can occasionally impact the arms too. Signs and symptoms of RLS RLS symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Some of its key features include: Discomfort after resting: Symptoms typically start when you're sitting or lying down for long periods, for example during a long drive, or while watching a move in a theatre. Relief with movement: Stretching, pacing, or leg simple movement helps temporarily improve the symptoms. Worse at night: Many experience trouble falling or staying asleep. Night time twitching: RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, wherein the legs twitch and kick during sleep, possibly throughout the night. Impact on mood and focus: Chronic fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating are common. In severe cases, RLS symptoms occur more than twice a week and can interfere with work, social life, and mental health. What causes RLS? Often, there's no known cause for restless legs syndrome. However several contributing factors have been identified. Genetics appear to play a role, as RLS often runs in families. One of the most significant medical links is iron deficiency, especially low levels of iron in the brain, which interferes with dopamine production—an essential chemical for smooth muscle control. RLS is also frequently seen in people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, problems in the brain's dopamine pathways, similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, have been associated with RLS. Managing RLS: What helps? Currently there is no cure for RLS but its symptoms can often be managed with the right combination of treatment and lifestyle adjustments. The first step towards tackling the issue is to address and acknowledge underlying conditions like iron deficiency, diabetes, or sleep apnea. People with RLS are often advised to avoid or limit their intake of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening. In order to reduce the nighttime symptoms, it has been observed that Creating a regular sleep routine and maintaining a calming bedtime environment has a positive effect on the body. Further, warm baths, leg massages, or the use of heating pads and ice packs also give relief. Some devices like vibration pads or specially designed foot wraps that apply gentle pressure have also proved to provide temporary relief. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
