Does your leg have a mind of its own?

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More and more people are talking about it, even in India. So should you be worried? Well, it's estimated that 10 per cent of the population may be affected. We are talking about Restless Leg Syndrome.

Are there times when you're sleeping, when it feels like your legs have a mind of their own, where they move of their own volition? Or occasions when your partner says your leg movements are disturbing his or her sleep?

This can be irritating, but is it harmful?

Well, it indicates a disorder of the nervous system, a disorder that is categorised as a sleep disorder - Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) - that may require medical attention.

So what are the symptoms you need to look out for?

Patients complain of a constant urge to move their legs and also mention "strange" feelings in their legs. These sensations are clinically painful and are described by various people as "irritating", "pins and needles", "something walking up my legs". All of this is felt deep within the legs and it is worst while at rest, but disappears in the morning.

But these symptoms can gradually worsen and may be severe enough to lead to disability. In time, RLS can lead to walking disability, as well as stress and sleep deprivation.

Symptoms are the same in men and women and may begin at any age, especially in middle-age. The symptoms would be less in young people, but by the age of 50 they may cause severe sleep deprivation and impede quality of life.

And while RLS is commonly missed or misdiagnosed, once it's diagnosed, it can easily be treated. But here's a precaution.

It is very important for doctors to make sure there are no other concurrent medical illness such as diabetes, uremia, spinal cord tumours or infection and occasionally motor disorders.

Unfortunately there is no specific lab tests or imaging which can help to diagnose RLS, but your doctor does need to make sure you get a detailed physical examination and certain tests to rule out the above diseases. Occasionally a neurological consultation is needed.

But the first step, if you recognise any of these symptoms, is to head to your doctor.

Do write in with your comments and health issues. Till next week, stay healthy!

(Dr Amit Varma is Chief Operating Officer and Director Critical Care Medicine at Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital in Delhi)