Restless leg syndrome is a common affliction characterised by uncomfortable feelings in the legs accompanied by an irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve the sensations. People with restless leg syndrome often keep their legs moving by pacing or constantly moving their legs while sitting. The sensations commonly occur at night and have been described by patients as itching, throbbing, pulling, pins and needles or a creepy crawly feeling.

Causes :- 

Not being a psychological or emotional condition, researchers are unsure of its exact cause. Some studies show it's link with brain chemical called Dopamineas those medicines that increase dopamine in the brain have been effective at relieving RLS symptoms.

Some people have medical conditions that seem to increase the chance of developing RLS. These conditions include the following:-

* Nerve problems in the spine or legs
* Alcoholism
* Low blood iron levels
* Poor blood circulation in the legs
* Muscle disorders
* Specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies


Diagnosis :-

There is no test for restless leg syndrome. The four criteria below are used to diagnose the condition:

The descriptions given by the patient provide important information about when and how often the symptoms occur, so triggers can be identified and avoided where possible. Family history also helps to provide clues about the cause of the symptoms and potential interventions for treatment.

Diagnosing restless leg syndrome in children is particularly challenging since children find it hard to describe their symptoms and where and how often they experience them. This sometimes results in misdiagnosis as growing pains or attention deficit disorder.


Ayurvedic view and treatments available :-

From an Ayurvedic perspective, the pathology of the condition includes a disturbance of vata dosha in the majjavaha srota. Vata dosha is responsible for excessive motion and disturbances in the movement of prana. Vitiated Vata locates in the bones and blocks the channels of nervous transmission. This block results in the improper transmission of the motor functions and finally manifests as RLS.

There are three types of energies in human bodies according to Ayurveda -Vatta, Pitta and Kapha, which maintain normal body functions. Any functional deficit inside the body is recognised through the imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha using the terms Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha dosha, respectively. As a representative of Wind (vayu) and Ether (akash), Vata is responsible for all types of body movements in the mind and body. Due to excess chalata (mobility), people under the influence of Vata dosha are always restless.  They will be shaking their legs, hands, eyes, eyebrows, lips, tongue, head, neck or any joint due to the hyperactive Vata energy.

In considering treatment for the condition, the Ayurvedic practitioner considers a vata or vata-pitta pacifying program of diet, herbs and lifestyle. 

Ayurvedic medicines like Sahacharadi kashayam, Dhanadanayanadi kashayam, Dhanwantaram kashayam, Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu churna are beneficial. You can undergo treatments like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pizhichil, Swedana, Basti, etc., which are also effective.

Each patient has their own unique experience and each person’s path toward healing is often equally unique. You can book a consultation with our expert Ayurvedic practitioners to get help in Restless Leg Syndrome.