Willis Ekbom Syndrome Or Restless Leg Syndrome
Too much movement of the lower extremities can be a clear sign of what is known as Restless Legs Syndrome. It is a disease that should be treated as soon as possible.
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An insatiable need to move your legs can be a sign of Willis-Ekbom syndrome. If we lie down and feel it is necessary to fidget our legs, then we may suffer from what is known as Restless Legs Syndrome.
You may not have heard of it, but Willis-Ekbom Syndrome is a medically researched and classified disease.
Unfortunately, the origin of the syndrome is not yet known. It’s called a neurological disease with only minor consequences. However, it is believed that up to 3% of the world’s population suffer from it to a high degree.
What is known about Willis Ekbom Syndrome?
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There are statistics that show that almost 10% of the world’s population suffers from Willis-Ekbom syndrome to varying degrees. It is also known to affect the lives of men and women of all ages.
However, the symptoms often become more pronounced after the age of 40.
While the exact causes are not known, it is believed that various factors can create it. Anemia, renal failure, and the use of certain drugs appear to be related to its appearance.
In women, it is also believed that it can appear from pregnancy onwards.
Nowadays it is believed that the disease is related to the activation of dopamine. Our movement and coordination via the central nervous system depend on this neurotransmitter.
Despite all ignorance, Willis-Ekbom syndrome has been divided into two classes: primary and secondary. In the first case, the origin of the symptoms is not yet known; in the second, they are a consequence of other diseases.
Varying and confused symptoms
Another problem with this condition is that the symptoms are very varied and sometimes difficult to notice. In some cases, it just creates the urge to move your legs. But Willis-Ekbom Syndrome can also have other unpleasant symptoms.
Some patients report uncomfortable feelings in their legs. In some cases, you may experience cramps and tingling in your legs. Because many of the signs show up at night, some patients have difficulty sleeping.
This naturally leads to exhaustion, tiredness and sleepiness during the day. In addition, the need to move the legs is also related to the circadian rhythm. This means that this need increases in the evening and at night.
Willis-Ekbom syndrome is a chronic disease that usually gets worse over time.
How do you identify Willis-Ekbom Syndrome?
![Restless legs syndrome](https://bachs.xyz/img/willis-ekbom-syndrome-or-restless-leg-syndrome_286.jpg)
Below is a list of the symptoms and signs of this syndrome:
- The need to move the legs arises during rest periods. When we talk about restless leg syndrome, it shouldn’t be confused with hyperactivity or a reflex. The movements arise when we are resting and not during the day.
- Symptoms show up at night : this is one of the signs of this disease. The majority of those affected do not feel the need to move their legs during the day.
- Nocturnal cramps : Periodic movement of the legs during sleep is evident. This is another complaint that is associated with this disease. The cramps can start even before you go to sleep.
- Relief through movement : When we move, we feel a relief of the tingling and discomfort, regardless of whether it is stinging, discomfort or pain. If we fidget our legs, the symptoms are alleviated.
Possible treatments
If we feel discomfort, it is best if we move. We can even get up and walk a little. The problem here is not so much the feeling in the legs as the poor quality of life that those affected suffer from because they do not get enough sleep.
It is therefore advisable to learn therapies and techniques that improve the quality of our sleep.
There are also psychological approaches that can bring relief. Some recommend cognitive behavioral therapy because sometimes the syndrome is related to emotional and psychological factors.
Those who believe they have Willis-Ekbom Syndrome should see a doctor.
It may seem unimportant, but symptoms often worsen with age. While there is no diagnostic sample yet, it is best to have an expert review the situation.