An excess in the movement of the lower extremities could mean clear symptoms of the so-called restless legs syndrome. It is a pathology that must be controlled as soon as possible from its appearance.
The incessant desire to move the legs can be a symptom of pathology. If we experience the need to shake the lower extremities when lying down, we could have Willis-Ekbom syndrome or restless legs. Although it may not seem like it, this is a previously typified and identified medical phenomenon.
The problem with this condition is that its origin is not yet known. It is argued that this is a neurological disorder although of little relevant consequences. However, 3% of the world population could suffer from it in a severe way.
What is known about Willis-Ekbom syndrome or restless legs?
There are statistics that indicate that almost 10% of the world population manifests symptoms related to this disease. It is also known to affect both men and women of all ages. However, symptoms can be seen at their greatest expression from the age of forty.
A clear origin is not identified either, but it is that, in addition, we could be before a picture that can have many causes. Anemia, kidney failure and the supply of some drugs are related to its appearance. In women, it is believed that this can appear from pregnancy.
Currently, this condition is believed to be related to the activation of dopamine. Movement and coordination by the central nervous system depend on this neurotransmitter.
Despite the lack of knowledge, it has been separated into two typologies. The so-called Willis-Ekbom disease is divided into primary and secondary. In the first case, the origin of this bodily manifestation is not yet known, while in the second, we understand this condition when it is caused by other diseases.
Varied and confusing symptoms
Another problem connected with restless leg syndrome is that its symptoms are varied and difficult to notice. In some cases, it is just a predisposition to move the legs. But this condition has other manifestations that can be bothersome.
Some patients manifest discomfort and unpleasant sensations in the legs. Sometimes this can become cramping and tingling. As many of these symptoms are evident at night, some sufferers experience difficulty falling asleep.
Of course, this generates tiredness, fatigue and drowsiness during the day. Furthermore, this need for movement parallels the circadian rhythm. That is to say, that between afternoon and night they tend to increase. Thus, Willis-Ekbom syndrome is a chronic and progressive disease over time.
Identifying Willis-Ekbom syndrome
To help identify restless leg syndrome, we list signs and symptoms:
- The need for movement occurs at rest: when we refer to this disease we cannot confuse it with a reflex or hyperactivity. In fact, movement usually occurs when we are resting and not during everyday life.
- Symptoms manifest at night: this is one of the requirements to determine that the condition exists. In practice, most diagnosed patients do not have this need to move their legs during the day.
- Night spasms: periodic movement of the limbs occurs during sleep. This in itself is another type of condition related to the syndrome. Spasm can occur even when sleeping.
- Relief in movement: the good news is that when we move we can feel that the tingling or the sensation that we experience is relieved. It doesn’t matter if we experience itching, discomfort, or pain. It usually decreases with trembling of the lower extremities.
Possible treatments
In the first instance, if we feel discomfort, the correct thing is to do the movement, it is even recommended to get out of bed and walk for a few minutes. The drawback is not so much this sensation as the low quality of life of those affected that is associated with the difficulty of achieving restful sleep.
For this reason, it is convenient to carry out therapies and treatments that improve the quality of sleep. There are also approaches at the level of psychology, with which you can experience some improvement. Some recommend cognitive behavioral therapy since sometimes this syndrome has to do with psychological and emotional aspects.
Those who believe that they suffer from restless leg syndrome should seek medical help. Although it may seem unimportant, the effects of this symptomatology usually worsen with age. Even when there is no diagnostic test, it is correct that the situation is addressed by a professional.