Restless Leg Syndrome in Toddlers: Symptoms and How to Treat It

Have you everParentsHave you noticed your toddler frequently moving his legs for no reason? Is this symptom accompanied by other conditions, such as difficulty sleeping? If so, there’s a possibility your child hasParentsexperiencing restless leg syndrome orrestless leg syndrome(RLS).

What is restless legs syndrome? Check out the following review!

Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome orrestless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a nervous system condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs.

Restless leg syndromecauses an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation in the legs, prompting a person to keep moving their legs.

Symptom

Children who suffer from restless legs syndrome will feel an irresistible urge to move, accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the lower legs that are unlike the normal sensations experienced by ordinary people.

Sensations in the feet are often difficult to define, but can be described as a feeling or sensation of:

• Sick
• Painful
• Stings
• Pulsating
• Interested
• Itchy
• There is something walking or crawling on your feet

This sensation can occur on just one side, but most often affects both sides (left and right). The discomfort can also alternate between sides.

Moving the legs (or other affected body parts) can relieve the discomfort felt, so children with this syndrome often move their legs to minimize or prevent these sensations.

Reason 

In most cases, there is no clear cause of restless legs syndrome in toddlers. However, there are several theories about the cause of this condition in children, such as:

1. Dopamine

Some neurologists believe that the symptoms of restless legs syndrome may have something to do with how the body handles a chemical called dopamine.

In the body, dopamine is a compound involved in controlling muscle movement and may be responsible for the involuntary leg movements associated with restless legs syndrome.

2. Certain Medical Conditions

In some cases,restless leg syndromecaused by certain diseases that have previously or have attacked the body, namely as follows:

• Iron Deficiency
  Even without anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen this syndrome.
• Kidney Failure:
  If a child has kidney failure, they may also experience iron deficiency, often accompanied by anemia. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, iron stores in the blood can decrease. This and other changes in body chemistry can cause or worsen restless legs syndrome.

If restless legs syndrome is caused by a certain disease, it is called secondary restless legs syndrome (secondary restless legs syndrome)

3. Hereditary Factors

According to research,restless leg syndromegenetic, meaning it can be passed down through the family.

Approximately 40-90% of individuals affected by this syndrome report having at least one affected relative, such as a parent or sibling and other family members who also experience the same condition.

Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis

Because there is no specific test for RLS, this condition must be diagnosed by a doctor’s evaluation.

Diagnosing restless legs syndrome in children can be very difficult, because children are still unable to describe what they are experiencing, when and how often the symptoms appear, and how long the symptoms last.

Therefore, doctors can sometimes misdiagnose it as one of the symptoms of growth (growing pains) or attention deficit disorder (attention deficit disorder) and rarely receive intervention. However, this should be taken with caution.

How to Treat/Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is generally a lifelong condition with no cure. However, there are several therapies that can control the disorder, minimize symptoms, and increase periods of restful sleep, including:

1. Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes and activities can relieve mild to moderate symptoms.

In toddlers or children,ParentsYou can relieve symptoms by massaging your feet, taking a warm bath, or using a heating pad or ice pack.

Also encourage your child to exercise regularly. Research shows that regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and leg stretches can also relieve mild symptoms.

2. Iron Supplementation

If a person with this syndrome also experiences iron deficiency, the first treatment is to provide iron.

Either in the form of supplements or given intravenously to increase iron levels and relieve symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome can affect anyone, including toddlers. IfParentsIf you suspect your child is showing symptoms of the syndrome, consult a doctor immediately.

Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia