Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually due to an uncomfortable sensation. Moving the legs eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. This Syndrome is a relatively common neurological disorder that affects people of all ages even teenagers.
The symptoms occur and worsen when the patient is at rest, sitting or lying down.
Characteristics of RLS, necessary for diagnosis include:
Restless Leg Syndrome
1) Symptoms worsen at rest, i.e. after a long time lying in bed or in a chair, eg. in the theater, in the car or on the plane.
2) The symptoms improve with movement such as stretching the legs, rubbing or walking. The relief lasts as long as the limb is moving.
3) Symptoms worsen at night.
Several etiological factors cause this syndrome:
- Heredity appears to be responsible for a third of the cases.
- Pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal changes.
- Iron deficiency has been observed in many patients with the condition,
- Kidney failure.
- Stress is a factor in both the development of the condition and the worsening of symptoms.
The benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of restless legs syndrome are:
- successful treatment of anxiety disorders.
- relaxation and general sense of calm,
- releasing the stagnant energy along the meridian of the lower limb
- improving sleep