Restless Legs Syndrome Specialist
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Parkinson's, Restless Legs & Movement Disorder Specialists, PLLC
Subhashie Wijemanne, MD
Movement Disorder Specialist located in Austin, TX
Unpleasant sensations in your legs when resting that cause you to want to move them continuously interfering with sleep are the hallmark symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Board-certified neurologist Subhashie Wijemanne, MD, at her practice Parkinson’s, Restless Legs & Movement Disorder Specialists, PLLC, in Austin, Texas, offers the latest management options to treat restless leg syndrome. If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest you have restless leg syndrome, call the office or book online to set up a consultation.
Restless Legs Syndrome Q&A
What is restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome is also called Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED). It’s characterized by odd feelings of discomfort in your legs, making you continuously move them to find relief.
The discomfort of restless leg syndrome can be most aggravating when sitting for long periods or during the night when you try to sleep. People with restless leg syndrome often have trouble sleeping because the discomfort keeps them from resting.
Some people with restless leg syndrome also suffer from periodic limb movement disorder, causing the legs to twitch and kick in the middle of the night.
What are the symptoms of restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg symptoms vary from person to person and can be hard to describe accurately. You could feel sensations of:
- Throbbing
- Crawling
- Pulling
- Aching
- Creeping
- Itching
- Electrical pulsations
Restless leg syndrome doesn’t usually cause numbness or cramps. Instead, you feel like you must move your legs to relieve their agitation.
What causes restless leg syndrome?
Why some people develop restless leg syndrome isn’t fully understood. Restless leg syndrome could have a genetic cause because the condition tends to run in families. In some people, low levels of iron, can be the cause. Women tend to experience restless leg syndrome more often than men. Dopaminergic medications given as treatment overtime can aggravate existing restless leg symptoms known as augmentation which can be very severe
Pregnant women can develop restless leg syndrome, but the condition is temporary and goes away after delivery.
How is restless leg syndrome treated?
Dr. Wijemanne thoroughly evaluates your symptoms and medical history to find possible causes of restless leg syndrome. She can offer medications and other therapeutic options to help relieve your symptoms. If she believes a nutrient deficiency is the cause, she’ll recommend that you take supplements. If augmentation is the cause of the worsening of symptoms, then it requires careful medication change.
If you’re suffering from restless legs syndrome symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact Parkinson’s, Restless Legs and Movement Disorders Specialists, PLLC, for an appointment.
