If you have ever experienced restless leg syndrome (RLS), you understand that it is difficult to explain. In fact, many describe it with varying adjectives when trying to define the feelings that course through their lower legs upon rest and usually in the evening. It comes and goes and is relieved with movement. This feeling has been described as pulling, burning, aching, tingling, throbbing, gnawing and crawling. Many people with RLS also experience rhythmic leg movements when they sleep, a condition known as periodic limb movement disorder. This disease affects millions of people and most commonly occurs in middle-age and older. According to an article in the US National Library of Medicine, RLS is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years.

Untreated
If RLS goes untreated and ignored, it can often lead to insomnia and depression. Insomnia is difficult to deal with at any age, but in the elderly it is exceptionally troubling. Long-term insomnia can lead to confusion, memory loss, depression, loss of balance, and an increase risk in falls. A study reported in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that “The presence of moderate to severe RLS increased the likelihood of depression by about three times.” If your parent complains of funny feelings in their legs or being unable to sleep for any reason, make an appointment with their primary health care provider.

Causes
There are several possible causes for this disease that is still very much misunderstood. A few of these include iron-deficiency anemia and diminished levels of dopamine—an extremely important neurotransmitter that sends signals from and to the brain. One of its many important functions is the control of body movements.

Other conditions linked to RLS include diabetes, Parkinson’s, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic kidney disease. Some medications and sensitivity to caffeine have also been reported as causative factors.

Treatment
There is no known cure for RLS, though treating the underlying disease can relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes have also been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with RLS and include:

• Make sure that your parent’s diet is rich in foods that supply iron, vitamin B12 and folate. These include fortified cereals, beans, leafy greens, avocado, seafood, high-quality beef, and whole grains. Keep nicotine, alcohol and caffeine to a minimum. Taking supplemental folic acid (B9) has been shown to reduce the symptoms of RLS, but be sure to check with the primary health care provider before trying.
• Make a list of medications and over-the-counter remedies they are taking and ask their pharmacist to take a look to see if any combination or single drug could be causing the problem.
• Consider relaxation techniques. This may include a warm mineral bath before bed along with a cup of herbal tea. Try gentle stretches and massage therapy as well as yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation. YouTube offers hundreds of recordings that are designed to promote relaxation.
• Apply cold packs for 20 minutes and then hot packs for another 20 minutes.
• Your parent’s primary health care provider may recommend medication should your parent’s symptoms be truly disruptive and interfering with their quality of life.

Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12390051
http://rlsfoundation.blogspot.com/2017/04/depression-rls-study.html
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/restless-leg-syndrome/overview.html
https://www.yogauonline.com/yogau-wellness-blog/for-natural-insomnia-relief-try-vitamin-b-complex

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in The Heights, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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