RLS or restless leg syndrome can sometimes affect the whole body.
Although most cases of restless leg syndrome or RLS affect the lower limbs or legs, but RLS or restless leg syndrome can in certain cases cause sensations in other area of the body including the back, torso, feet and arms and in rarer cases RLS or restless leg syndrome can cause sensations in the head or face which is called generalized RLS.
Generalized RLS is not as common as localized RLS, which affects only your lower limbs or legs, but it can be more severe and significantly impact your quality of life.
Not everyone that has RLS or restless leg syndrome will experience any whole body symptoms.
Restless leg syndrome is mainly neurological and not muscular, although the exact cause of restless leg syndrome is not fully known and it can involve a combination of different factors.
RLS is neurological and also not mental but RLS does have a strong link to mental conditions like depression and anxiety and RLS can be exacerbated by mental conditions including depression and anxiety.
However RLS or restless leg syndrome is mainly a neurological disorder that is rooted in brain dysfunction and is most particularly related to iron levels and dopamine levels and RLS is not a mental illness.
Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes an urge to move your legs.
Some people with restless leg syndrome might experience some symptoms that overlap with OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder such as in areas such as doubting and cleaning.
And both restless leg syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorders are believed to involve dysfunction in dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter systems, which also suggest that there's a potential shared neurobiological basis.
The actual cause of restless leg syndrome is not really known or understood fully.
However there are several factors that can contribute to and cause restless leg syndrome which include, neurochemical imbalances, Peripheral neuropathy, iron deficiency, blood flow problems, genetics, certain medications and other medical conditions.
Restless leg syndrome can involve an imbalance in dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in movement.
You can stop restless legs immediately by moving your legs such as by walking or even stretching which can help get the blood flowing.
Also applying a hot compress or cold compress to your restless legs or taking a warm bath or massaging your legs to relax the muscles can help with restless legs.
Other things you can do to help with restless legs is to do some gentle calf stretches and movements like "windshield wiper" leg movements also can help with restless legs.
And wearing some compression socks or even using vibrating pads can help with restless legs.
Walking around and getting up and moving your legs can immediately provide temporary relief for restless legs and moving around often can help prevent restless leg flareups.
Putting a pillow between your legs can also help with RLS or restless leg syndrome.
Sleeping with a pillow between your legs can help restless leg syndrome by providing support for side sleepers and improving circulation and preventing of compression of the nerves in your legs which can alleviate discomfort and result in better sleep with restless leg syndrome.
Using a pillow between your knees and your thighs when on your side also helps to maintain a healthy spine and pelvic alignment, easing any pressure on your hips and lower back and creating a more comfortable sleeping position.
The actual root cause of restless leg syndrome is not really known or understood fully.
However there are several factors that can contribute to restless leg syndrome which include, neurochemical imbalances, Peripheral neuropathy, iron deficiency, blood flow problems, genetics, certain medications and other medical conditions.
Restless leg syndrome can involve an imbalance in dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in movement.
Damage to the nerves in your legs can result in abnormal sensations which can trigger restless leg syndrome.
Low iron levels can also affect the production of dopamine and result in restless leg syndrome.
Poor blood circulation in your legs can also worsen restless leg syndrome.
Restless leg syndrome can also run in families, which suggest a genetic predisposition.
And some medications like antidepressants and antihistamines can trigger restless leg syndrome or even worsen restless leg syndrome.
Restless leg syndrome can also be associated with diabetes, sleep apnea and kidney disease.
Restless leg syndrome can be made worse by several things which include some medications, lifestyle choices, underlying medical conditions etc.
Common triggers for restless leg syndrome are nicotine, alcohol, caffeine as well as some over the counter medications and prescription medications like anti nausea drugs, antidepressants and antihistamines.
Conditions like kidney disease, iron deficiency and even peripheral neuropathy can contribute to restless leg syndrome.
There's no cure for restless leg syndrome, although treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Treatments for restless leg syndrome include treating underlying iron deficiency with iron supplements or medication, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and avoiding caffeine and alcohol and taking prescribed medications like anti seizure medications or in severe cases of restless leg syndrome, you may need to take opioids or benzodiazepines.
Also a new technology called tonic motor activation can also help reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome and improve sleep.