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Differentiating between Peripheral Neuropathy, Leg Cramps, and Restless Legs Syndrome January 2006 Since there is often great confusion between peripheral neuropathy, leg cramps, and Restless Legs Syndrome, it is worthwhile to explain and clarify the differences among them. Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder resulting from damage and injury to the peripheral nerves. These nerves supply the feet, legs, arms, and hands. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, stabbing pains, and feelings of overly hot or cold feet. Many people say it feels as if they have a band around their feet or they are wearing stockings or shoes when their feet are actually completely bare. Common causes of peripheral neuropathy are: diabetes, chemotherapy medications, alcoholism, spinal injury, exposure to certain environmental agents, nutritional imbalance, and HIV virus. Surprisingly in over 50% of cases, the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy is unknown. Leg Cramps At Night Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, painful involuntary spasms of the calf muscles that occur during the night or at rest. Often times, the muscles in the soles of the feet are affected as well. No one knows for sure what causes night cramps. It is postulated, however, that the cramps are sometimes caused by overexertion of the muscles, structural foot problems (such as flat feet), prolonged sitting, inappropriate leg positions while sedentary, or dehydration. Restless Legs Syndrome Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an urge to move them for relief. Affected individuals have described the sensations in any number of ways, including pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and sometimes even painful. Most of all, they associate these symptoms with an overwhelming urge to move their legs. Movement provides temporary relief from discomfort. Restless Legs Syndrome is a life-long condition for which there is no cure. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age. Because symptoms are intensified by inactivity and lying down, RLS patients have difficulty both falling and staying asleep. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis in distinguishing these three medical problems as the treatment varies greatly for each condition. The next Neuropathy Newsletter will address the specific treatments for peripheral neuropathy, nocturnal leg cramps, and Restless Legs Syndrome. |
