Does your child have restless leg syndrome? Are you looking for an effective treatment for it? RLS is a disorder in which patients have a constant and irresistible urge to move their legs (1). It causes a lot of discomfort, and since bedtime is when it usually occurs, it also causes sleep deprivation.

RLS also occurs at times when the legs do not get the exercise they need. This condition affects people of all ages, including children. But don’t worry, as there are ways that can help treat RLS in children.

Would you like to know more? Read on.

Symptoms Of RLS In Children:

The various symptoms of restless leg syndrome include the following:

1. Discomfort In The Legs:

Sensations in the legs that are extremely uncomfortable occur with RLS. These sensations have been described as burning, tingling, itching, cramping, tingling, pulling and even painful. As mentioned above, they occur mostly at bedtime, but are also experienced at other times when there is no leg activity.

2. The Need To Move Legs:

Because children experience a lot of discomfort in their legs when they have RLS, they feel the urgent need to move their legs (2). This uncontrollable urge comes with the need to gain relief from the discomfort, or pain, that they go through.

3. Inability To Sleep:

As mentioned earlier, children are often deprived of sleep when they have RLS as the tingling and other uncomfortable sensations commonly occur at night. It can also cause them to have difficulty in staying asleep at night.

4. Behavior Problems During Bedtime:

Because children face difficulty in falling asleep, their behavior during bedtime can change. There will be times when they do not stay in bed and may get out of bed several times to stretch their legs in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.

5. Sleepiness During The Day:

Since children are not able to get proper sleep at night, they may experience sleepiness during the day (3). Sleep deprivation may also cause fatigue, poor appetite and other problems.

6. Other Behavior Problems:

Children’s behavior can take a drastic turn when they do not get enough sleep. They can be irritable, moody and hyperactive, and have difficulty in concentrating. Academic performance can also go down due to the lack of focus and excessive tiredness caused by lack of sleep.

Treatment Of RLS In Children:

Doctors do not prescribe medication for children who have restless leg syndrome as soon as the disorder is diagnosed. At first, they recommend sleep routines as well as regular moderate exercise. It is only when these treatments are not successful, that drugs are prescribed to children with RLS.

Some of the treatment options for children with RLS include the following:

1. Adopting Exercise And Sleep Routines:

As mentioned earlier, proper exercise and sleep routines are important for children who have RLS. Making sure that their legs do not stay inactive will help keep the feeling of restlessness away from this part of their body. A bedtime routine can help them sleep better and keeps symptoms away.

2. Including Certain Nutrients In Their Diet:

Iron deficiency has been associated with restless leg syndrome. It is important to visit a doctor to check children’s levels of iron and folic acid as their deficiency may be contributing to RLS symptoms. If the levels of these nutrients are low, your child should ideally increase the intake of foods that are rich in them. If the doctor recommends, you can also use supplements.

3. Keep Chocolate And Sodas Away:

Caffeine is a no-no in cases of restless leg syndrome (4). Children do not need anything else to contribute to their lack of sleep. You should keep caffeinated beverages as well as chocolate away.

4. Use Aids For Comfort:

Using various comfort aids such as heat pads, cold compresses and relaxation techniques such as massages can help in relieving RLS. Massaging children’s legs before bedtime can keep the restless sensation away, thereby allowing them to get proper sleep.

You should keep in mind that certain herbal remedies can make restless leg syndrome worse. Before using any home remedies or herbal products, consult your healthcare provider to make sure that they do not cause any complications or more problems for your child.

How has this post helped you? Tell us by commenting in the box below.

The post Restless Leg Syndrome In Children- 6 Symptoms And 4 Treatments You Should Be Aware Of appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Renold Rajan via STYLECRAZE