Is Restless Legs Syndrome Serious?

Restless legs syndrome is also called restless legs syndrome. People suffering from this disease often suffer from insomnia because the main manifestations of this disease are frequent soreness and swelling in the legs or hands, which makes it difficult to fall asleep. Restless legs syndrome is more common among middle-aged and elderly people. Although this disease is not a serious illness, it is very distressing and will seriously affect people's lives. So is restless legs syndrome serious?

1. Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

1. Uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations in the legs or arms (such as pain, itching, burning, fatigue, numbness, crawling sensation, etc.);

2. A strong desire to move the legs or arms to relieve discomfort (such as walking, kicking, massage, etc.) or no discomfort, just a desire to move;

3. The above symptoms only occur when resting, quiet or sleeping, and can be partially or completely relieved after activity;

4. The above symptoms worsen in the evening or at night, or only occur at night.

How to treat restless legs syndrome

1. Non-drug treatments include: leg massage, hot bath before bed, moderate exercise, avoiding drinking at night, etc.

2. Drug treatment: dopamine substitutes, such as madopar and levodopa; dopamine receptor agonists, such as pramipexole and ropinirole; if the patient's serum ferritin is lower than 45-50 micrograms/liter, oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, should be taken.

3. For patients with mild and moderate symptoms, non-drug treatment should be used first, while severe patients are best treated with drugs. Of course, if the patient has secondary restless legs syndrome, the primary disease must also be actively treated.

3. What should patients with restless legs syndrome pay attention to in their daily life?

(1) Eliminate and reduce the risk factors, such as actively treating the primary disease, consuming less coffee and coffee-containing beverages, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, preventing iron deficiency, and actively supplementing folic acid and vitamins for pregnant women.

(2) Maintain a regular work and rest schedule, make sure to exercise, and avoid excessive fatigue or over-consumption.