The restless feet syndrome, also known as restless legs syndrome, is a disorder in the nervous system.
It is generally manifested as a discomfort in the legs, mostly in the feet, that does not allow people to rest them properly or to fall asleep.
The latest statistics suggest that 10% of the world’s population has it, which is not very common but still everyone should be informed and know how to prevent it or treat it.
The main reason for the occurrence of the restless feet syndrome is iron deficiency at the brain level. This is because the brain needs iron to produce various chemicals among which is a movement chemical called dopamine.
So if there is insufficient iron there is also a lack of dopamine and this result with the restless feet syndrome. Also it is possible for people that lack vitamin B to develop this syndrome because the vitamin B calms the central nervous system and with it, it calms the body and the mind.
The feelings that people with the restless feet syndrome have are commonly described as tangling or creeping inside their lower legs, especially the calves. And the most commonly manifested symptom of this syndrome is the great urge to move.
Although it is very hard to describe these feelings and urges with words, people all over the world try to do their best because this is one of the essential things in recognizing and fighting the restless feet syndrome. The effects of this syndrome are mostly sleep loss or the inability to fall asleep and anxiety.
Most usually pregnancy is associated with the start of the symptoms. This happens because while pregnant the organism has increased needs, especially for iron and vitamins. So women that have lack of iron are likely to develop the syndrome when they are with child.
Although there are various medical treatments and therapies for the restless feet syndrome, there are a lot of things an individual can do to fight it. Keeping the legs warm all time and massaging them before going to bed could be very helpful.
Exercise for the legs like weight lifting, resistance training, running or jogging could help people make their leg muscles stronger and therefore less sensible to the effects of the syndrome.
Stretching and meditation could also help. It is recommended to see a doctor if the symptoms are strong because in some cases appropriate therapy is necessary.
