About 8.5% of French people are affected by restless legs syndrome and 2% have symptoms several times a week. In addition, this condition can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. During a congress of the French Society of Rheumatology which took place in Paris, experts, therefore, recalled the current recommendations for the management of impatience. Explanation of the management of Restless Legs Syndrome.
restless or restless leg syndrome
Restless legs syndrome, also called impatience, generally develops in adulthood, most often in connection with a family history. Although the symptoms are most often mild to moderate, this condition can however considerably affect the quality of life of patients and have a profound impact on their personal and professional life.
The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome is made on the basis of deep paresthesias, associated with five basic characteristics:
- A compelling need to move the lower limbs, due to uncomfortable and/or unpleasant sensations;
- Rarely affected upper limbs;
- Symptoms occur mainly in the evening and at night;
- An appearance or deterioration in the event of rest or inactivity;
- As well as relief or even disappearance while walking or stretching.
From diagnosis to finding a possible cause
Restless legs syndrome is closely associated with sleep disturbances, nocturnal and periodic leg movements, but also with the depressive syndrome. Specific diagnostic tools have thus been developed and make it possible to eliminate other conditions causing similar symptoms.
Finding the cause of restless legs syndrome is an essential part of management. Certain situations are indeed associated with impatience and allow better relief of symptoms: iron deficiency or deficiency, chronic renal failure, taking certain medications, as well as pregnancy.
Personalized support for Restless Leg Syndrome
The treatment itself aims to improve the patient’s quality of life. It is therefore personalized and takes into account their complaints and expectations. In addition, several axes can be developed in a complementary way:
- Hygieno-dietetic measures: limiting stimulants, doing leg massages, practicing stretching exercises or yoga, using cultural activities to occupy the mind, etc. ;
- Correction of any deficiencies, such as iron deficiency or vitamin D deficiency;
- The use of certain alternative medicines, such as acupuncture, even if its effectiveness remains little demonstrated;
- Drug treatment to reduce symptoms;
- Management of sleep disorders, with a doctor specializing in sleep;
- Pain treatment, in conjunction with a neurologist or a pain management center.
Several classes of drugs can be used in the treatment of restless legs syndrome, depending on the patient’s situation:
- Dopaminergic agonists are reserved for severe forms;
- Benzodiazepines;
- painkillers (opioids);
- Certain anticonvulsants, in case of painful impatience.