What is true?
Restless Legs (RLS) is not a well-known condition, so it’s not surprising that there is a lot of confusion about it. We list the most important misunderstandings for you!
People with Restless Legs adopt themselves
Not true. It is not yet entirely clear how RLS develops exactly, but there are physical indications for the problem. The messages in the nerves from the brain to the legs are not properly passed on, which causes that stinging sensation. The symptoms can worsen if you feel depressed or stressed.
Restless Legs is a harbinger of Parkinson’s disease
Not true. Both diseases are treated with dopamine agonists, but that does not mean that they are also the same conditions. In Parkinson’s disease, these drugs are used in much larger doses than with Restless Legs.
Restless Legs runs in the family
True. RLS is in many cases hereditary. There appear to be some ‘mistakes’ in the genes that can cause the symptoms. In 60 percent of people with RLS there are several family members with the same complaints.
Restless Legs will make you kick in your sleep
Not true. RLS basically has nothing to do with muscle twitches. But 80 percent of RLS patients also experience periodic limb movements (PLMD). These involuntary movements sometimes make them feel jerks through their legs or arms.
Sleeping aids do not work with Restless Legs
True. Sometimes Restless Legs is not recognized properly. The underlying cause of the sleeping problems is not seen and so people start using sleeping pills, but that often does not work well, or only temporarily. It is therefore important that we look at why people do not sleep well.
Restless Legs only occurs in the elderly
Not true. But it is more common in later life. Growing pains some children feel may also be related to RLS. After the age of 45, the symptoms of RLS often get worse. At that time, people often go to the doctor for treatment.
Restless Legs is the same as muscle cramp
Not true. It is often confused with muscle cramps, which means that people start using the wrong means to combat complaints. With nocturnal muscle cramps, people sometimes wake up during the night because they suffer from painful cramps. This is different from the constant feeling of having to move your legs that people with RLS have. RLS is a nerve disorder.
