Pain in the Leg

The doctor I visited with my mother a couple of days ago feels that my mother has restless leg syndrome.

On digging up on RLS, this was the summary I got:

(1) Requip manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline is the most frequently prescribed antidote. The precise mechanism of action of Requip as a treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome (also known as Ekbom Syndrome) is unknown. Although the pathophysiology of RLS is largely unknown, neuropharmacological evidence suggests primary dopaminergic system involvement. Positron emission tomographic (PET) studies suggest that a mild striatal presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of RLS. (Dopaminergic means "related to the neurotransmitter dopamine". A synapse is dopaminergic if it uses dopamine as its neurotransmitter. A substance is dopaminergic if it is capable of producing, altering, or releasing dopamine. A dopaminergic, or dopaminergic agent, is any chemical which functions to enhance the effects mediated by dopamine in the central nervous system. These include dopamine precursors and cofactors, dopaminergic enzymes, as well as dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

(2) The Natural Medicine Approach to Restless Leg Syndrome - A better approach is to determine and treat the underlying cause of the condition. Almost all individuals with restless leg syndrome are low in the minerals potassium and magnesium. Tests would be done to establish the levels of these two, and if they are low, supplements are prescribed. Tight leg muscles also appear to be common among restless leg syndrome patients. If this is determined to be the case, a stretching program is recommended. In case improper circulation plays a role, a platelet aggregation test is done to determine the thickness of the blood. Thick blood contributes to poor circulation. If the platelet aggregation test is positive for thick blood, a supplement like VSCLR is ordered. And finally, patients are urged to wear toe stretchers at night to stretch the toes, foot and calf.

Restless Leg Syndrome – from eMedicine Health – a comprehensive and very useful resource, must-read for those who suspect they have this disease

Restless Leg Syndrome – RLS Info Page from National Institute of Neurological Disorders

Restless Leg Syndrome Causes, Diagnoses, Symptoms & Treatment @ Medicine Net

Requip Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment

Have any of you been acqainted with RLS either as a professional (doctor) or otherwise? What is your idea about RLS. Do let me know, thanks

The blog Pain in the Leg discusses various diseases and illnesses in the leg, resulting in severe or chronic trauma.

Disclaimer: I’m not a qualified doctor, I know little or nothing about medicine, and all inputs provided at this page are what I have collected from around the web. I’d request you to treat the contents of this page in this light, and always consult a qualified professional before undertaking any efforts.