Restless legs syndrome twitching legs

Sometimes only opioids help against twitching legs

01/15/2015

Ten percent of Germans are affected by the so-called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The uncontrolled twitching of the legs leads to sleepless nights for many sufferers. What helps against it? In some cases only opioids. But this should always be preceded by a detailed causal research.

Restless Legs Syndrome robs sufferers of sleep
The Restless Legs Syndrome is particularly unpleasant at night. Those affected can not sleep because of the uncontrollable twitching of their legs. Frequently, the unpleasant symptoms begin on the sofa in the evening, when those affected come to rest. For many patients, a true relaxation is almost impossible, as the leg disturbed and the urge to move as soon as they rest. „The symptoms that afflict sufferers are called Restless Legs Syndrome, which means restless legs syndrome, "says Lilo Habersack, who is herself affected by the condition, to the news agency „dpa“. „Most of the talk is of a feeling of restlessness, while some feel it as tingling or twitching, while others speak about pulling, itching or burning, "adds the chairman of the German Restless Legs Association.

As physicians emphasize again and again, people who sleep too little, but their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, overweight or obesity or diabetes. Around one-third of RLS-affected patients have such severe symptoms that they need medication to manage their everyday lives at work and in social life.

Improvement of sleep hygiene
There is still a great need for improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. For example, a survey of nearly 4,200 patients in Canada, the US, and ten European countries two years ago found that more than two-thirds of respondents said they had waited three or more years for a correct diagnosis from the time the first symptoms appeared. There is no cure for RLS. In the treatment is often an improvement in sleep quality in the foreground. Natural measures to improve sleep hygiene can help. In addition to light sports are also relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. Some people also rely on Chinese therapy for restless legs.

If these measures provide no relief, those affected should consider drug therapy. Most dopamine substitutes are initially prescribed because they work well and have few side effects. In more severe cases, only opioids sometimes help.

Causes of RLS not clarified clearly
Basically, RLS can meet people of all ages. The causes of the disease are not yet clear. It is suspected that a malfunction of the nervous system metabolism plays a role or in part heredity. In addition, certain changes in genes could increase the likelihood of disease. Possible causes of secondary RLS include iron deficiency, renal dysfunction or neurological disorders. „There is also a great need for further research and development into effective treatments to help people live a tolerable life, and we have been working on this for many years“, so Habersack. (Ag)