Many people complain that they constantly feel tired in their legs. And often it appears for no apparent reason. Restless Leg Syndrome is common. To cope with it, the causes should be identified, and only then the doctor can prescribe treatment.
Reasons
This disease is also called restless leg syndrome. Modern medicine has not identified the exact causes of the development of the problem. But it is believed that the causes of restless legs syndrome are associated with ailments of the nervous system. In this case, treatment of the underlying disease is required. The causes of heaviness in the legs in women are usually associated with inappropriate shoes or a heavy load. Often the disease appears from:
- some drugs;
- physical activity, constant fatigue;
- excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks and foods;
- avitaminosis;
- thyroid disorders;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- nervous disorders, depression, stress;
- diabetes;
- pathologies of the spine and spinal cord;
- kidney or liver damage;
- operations on various internal organs;
- multiple sclerosis;
- porphyria;
- Parkinson's disease;
- alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction.
The list is quite large and varied, often the disease appears during a normal pregnancy due to iron deficiency anemia, lack of magnesium, strong excitability, changes in hormonal levels. Therefore, during the examination, the help of several doctors is required. Depending on the cause, the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome vary.
Sometimes there are several provoking factors. Even uncomfortable shoes can lead to this syndrome. Therefore, it is very important to wear something that does not cause discomfort. Many women wear high heels for the sake of beauty. In this case, you should choose something more practical. Excessive load on the legs also leads to the syndrome.
Treatment methods depend on the cause of the syndrome. For example, if it's all about beriberi, then you need to make up for the lack of vitamins with the help of products and special pharmacy complexes. Then the state will be restored. And if it's all about nervous disorders, then you should first normalize your general well-being.
Signs
Restless Leg Syndrome usually occurs at night. The main symptom is involuntary rhythmic muscle contraction. The hands can also move. Whatever the causes of heavy legs in women, several unpleasant symptoms can occur.
At the initial stage of the diseaselikely to appear:
- tingling in the legs;
- moving goosebumps;
- calf or knee pressure;
- desire to move and wiggle your legs to eliminate discomfort.
At first, a person does not attach importance to these signs and associates them not with a disease, but with fatigue. But the discomfort intensifies, pain and convulsions occur, the disease reaches a stage when there is no restful sleep. Difficulty sleeping because of discomfort. The person will be irritable, nervous, tired, because he does not rest fully.
If the cause is a disease of the internal organ, the symptoms are supplemented by pain in that part of the body that is affected by the main ailment. Signs of restless leg syndrome may disappear when a person moves, but worsen at rest.
Specification
Restless legs syndrome is divided into 2 types:
- Idiopathic syndrome. This phenomenon is not fully understood, but it is believed that the disease occurs more often in young patients under 30 years of age. No association with comorbidities. This syndrome is observed in a person all his life, periods of remission and exacerbation alternate. The disease arises from a genetic predisposition, pathologies of the nervous system, psychological impact.
- Symptomatic syndrome. It is considered a consequence of another ailment. It can be eliminated if you get rid of the cause. Pathology occurs with anemia, diabetes, thyroid disease, joint diseases.
Symptomatic syndrome is more often observed after 40 years. Women are most affected by itpregnancy. The disease manifests itself among 16% of pregnant women. There is speculation that it may be transmitted in utero.
Diagnosis
Restless legs syndrome is detected at an early stage by a comprehensive examination. Establishing the cause is required to exclude false factors. Everything is complicated by the fact that leg movements can interfere with a person’s sleep, but for a long time he does not even know about the disease.
Usually, the signs are revealed by those who are near the sick person. They pay attention to movements and twitches, decreased activity, irritability. If suspicious symptoms are detected, polysomnography is performed. The procedure allows you to record all the movements of a person during sleep. The records are then analyzed to determine if there is a syndrome.
A blood test is also done to determine the cause. Iron and magnesium reveal the presence of the syndrome. Thyroid check required.
Treatment
What to do if your leg hurts? Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. If the syndrome appeared after a surgical operation, the supervision of a neurologist and a surgeon is required. And if the reason is alcoholism, drug addiction, you need the help of a narcologist and a psychotherapist.
The following remedies must be prescribed:
- Soothing drops or tablets, antidepressants - Novopassit.
- Painkillers if the disease is advanced.
- Anticonvulsants.
If symptoms are severe, applyserious drugs. Restless legs syndrome is treated with Mirapex, Nozepam, Alprozol. The dosage and duration of therapy is prescribed by the doctor, since these are powerful antidepressants.
It is advisable not to use sleeping pills, as they put a person to sleep until the morning. They also lead to addiction, habit, but do not cure the underlying ailment. Constantly using sleeping pills, the patient leads to a deterioration in mental state. Over time, the dosage increases, which negatively affects he alth.
At home
What to do if your leg hurts? At home, symptoms are reduced:
- physiotherapy – massage, acupuncture;
- therapeutic gymnastics;
- strict adherence to the regime.
For the treatment of the syndrome, good nutrition is required. It is required to obtain not only vitamins, but also minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium). But this does not mean that you should overeat - on the contrary, excess weight aggravates the condition. Extra pounds need to be eliminated and not eat heavy, fatty foods at night.
During pregnancy, if there is this syndrome, it is necessary to take a multivitamin complex and eat fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products. It is important that the menu is varied. Meat can be consumed, but only in boiled form. Chocolate contains a lot of caffeine, so it is better not to eat confectionery and weaknesses with this product.
Although this treatment does not require hospitalization, sometimes it is desirable to undergo therapy in a hospital, because withcompliance with the regime and the implementation of physiotherapy requires self-discipline. You should tune in for a long treatment.
Choice of shoes
Since shoes are important for the comfort of the foot, you should choose the right one. This will prevent fatigue and other discomfort. When buying shoes, you should consider the following rules:
- It is advisable to wear a low wide heel.
- Hard backs needed.
- Sole and heel should be made of materials that provide cushioning and cushioning of the pressure on the sole.
- Choose a wide and deep sock shape.
- The platform distributes weight evenly and supports the entire foot.
Comfortable shoes have a soft insole that supports the natural shape of the foot. Do not choose synthetics. Genuine leather or suede insoles are most preferred as they protect against blisters.
It is better to choose shoes with heels that fit snugly to the foot. It must be measured before buying. You should not buy shoes that need to be "broken in". And if the goods are bought via the Internet, you need to ask about the return issues.
Folk remedies
Effective use of medicinal herbs and plants with a calming effect:
- valerian root;
- peony tincture;
- motherwort;
- oregano;
- hops.
But during pregnancy it is forbidden to arbitrarily use infusions and decoctions. Forto eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to use a simple recipe: fresh honey is mixed in the same amount with apple cider vinegar. The finished product is applied to the legs, after which they perform a massage with their hands or with a massager. After that, the feet should be washed with water. This mixture is also taken orally in the morning on an empty stomach, but first diluted with warm water. 100-120 ml of water is required for 1 liter of honey and vinegar.
With the help of ordinary baths, it will be possible to eliminate pain and other symptoms of the syndrome. The temperature is chosen individually. Some people like hot water, while others like warm water. It is desirable to perform baths at night.
Effective Procedures
Steps you can follow at home to reduce symptoms:
- Required to adjust the sleep pattern - go to bed and get up at the same time. If there are neuropsychiatric disorders, the doctor definitely recommends training the mind.
- Exercise works effectively. The main thing is that the load is moderate. During the day and before going to bed, you need to do exercise therapy, walk on foot. Pilates, swimming, yoga, stretching are suitable. And with very active sports, the symptoms may intensify, so running, jumping, football are contraindicated.
- Contrasting douches are useful. To do this, alternate cold and hot water.
- At home you need to do interesting things. It can be drawing, knitting, reading. Through the concentration of withdrawal, tension is relieved.
- You need to massage your feet regularly. rubbing will reduce discomfort and make it easier to fall asleep.
Sleep betterin cotton socks. There is an opinion that sheep wool socks are useful.
How to prevent?
This disease cannot be completely cured. Restless Leg Syndrome can be prevented by avoiding smoking and alcohol. You need to play sports, think positively, stay calm, do not bring the matter to depression.
There is no consensus on how to eliminate unpleasant night attacks. Everyone uses their own methods. But as a preventive measure, it is required:
- avoid late dinners;
- do yoga;
- swim;
- take vitamins in spring and autumn;
- take frequent breaks from work;
- walk before bed;
- walk around in cotton clothes.
Idiopathic syndrome is manifested by a slow increase in symptoms. But its course is uneven, there may be periods of remission and aggravation of symptoms. The latter appear from heavy loads, stress, caffeinated products, pregnancy. In 15% of patients, long-term remissions are observed. With the right treatment, symptoms can be reduced and quality of life can be improved.
Conclusion
Thus, if your legs constantly hurt, then it may not be just banal fatigue. The cause of this condition can lie in some kind of ailment. To alleviate the condition, you must urgently consult a doctor.
