Ahh! My Legs! Restless Legs Syndrome – Part 1

What is it?

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) also known as Wittmaack-Ekbom’s syndrome is a neurological condition that is characterized by burning, itching, gnawing or creeping sensations inside the legs. Some people have even described the feeling as insects crawling up and down the insides of their legs!

Who is affected?

What are signs and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?

            Paresthesias which are irregular sensations and dysesthesias which are unpleasant irregular sensations are indications of RLS. These abnormal feelings usually occur in the leg – between the knee and ankle, deep inside the body. RLS may also occur in the torso, arms, hands, thighs, and feet! This condition usually occurs bilaterally (on both sides of the body), but in some cases only one side of the body may be affected.

            The way to relieve the sensations is by continued movement – so people with RLS usually keep their legs in constant

            It is thought that 12 million Americans may be plagued with this condition! Although both males and females are affected, it occurs slightly more frequently in women. The disorder can occur at any age – from infants to the elderly. The majority of those affected with RLS lie in the middle-age to older category. Unfortunately, the intensity of syndrome increases with age. Older individuals experience longer episodes of symptoms more often.

What are some characteristics of this condition?

The most unusual and distinguishing feature of this disorder is that relaxing or lying down will trigger the symptoms of this condition! If left undiagnosed and untreated, this syndrome will cause sleep deprivation which can lead to exhaustion and fatigue during the day as well as the lack of concentration, reduced memory, and the inability to accomplish daily activities.

motion to prevent the uncomfortable feelings from arising. A person with RLS will pace around, toss and turn in bed, and shift their legs continuously while seated.

            Individuals with RLS usually find that the symptoms of the syndrome are less obvious during the day and more definite in the evening hours. This condition may be brought about by stillness, immobility, or inactivity such as sitting in a theater, airplane, or car seat for extended periods of time.          

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Ahh! My Legs! Restless Legs Syndrome – Part 2

Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition where the affected person has the uncontrollable and compelling impulse to keep their body in motion in order to prevent unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations. Body movement relieves the RLS-affected individual’s symptoms.

What are some causes of Restless Legs Syndrome?

            There are several associated factors/conditions that may lead to this neurological disorder.

-          A family history of RLS has been noticed, suggesting that this syndrome has a genetic component.

-          Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia or other vitamin deficiencies may be at risk of developing RLS.

-          Individuals with unremitting diseases such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s have a connection with RLS (RLS symptoms may diminish by treating the underlying disease)

-          In some instances, child-bearing women may feel symptoms of RLS. The abnormal neurological sensations usually occur in the last trimester. In most cases, RLS symptoms fade away around1 month after delivery.

-          Medications such as anti-nausea drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, anti-seizure drugs, anti-depressant drugs and allergy/cold drugs (Benadryl) may increase RLS symptoms!

-          Caffeine (found in coffee, teas, soft drinks, and chocolate), alcohol and tobacco may contribute to the increased intensity of symptoms of RLS.

-          A very recent publication in the journal Neurology has shown there is an association between belly fat and Restless Legs Syndrome. This new study found that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater were 42% likely to have symptoms of this neurological disorder than persons with normal BMI (23).

Unfortunately, a majority of RLS cases have no known cause.

How is this disorder treated?

            RLS may be caused by several different factors. As such, several different treatment methods are employed to handle the syndrome.

-          Iron, magnesium, and folate supplements

-          Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco

-          Normalizing sleep patterns (may be achieved by moderate exercise or hot showers)

-          Hot baths or leg massages

-          Change in medications (talk to your doctor)

These remedies may play a role in reducing RLS symptoms and bring about relief, but do not expect them to completely eliminate the abnormal sensations.

If you feel unpleasant tingling, creeping, “pins-and-needles” or tugging sensations on or in your body, especially in the leg area – you should consult your local podiatrist. When discussing your condition, be sure to inform them of all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you may be taking as well as your smoking and drinking habits. They will prescribe the right treatment/medications to help reduce and may be eliminate Restless Legs Syndrome! 

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Who do you call when you find a footprint at a crime scene? A Forensic Podiatrist, of course!

A small but growing trend in the realm of criminal justice and scientific crossover is forensic podiatry.  Forensic podiatry deals with the evidence found at a crime scene that is related to the foot.  This may include things like footprints found at the scene or the wear pattern of the sock liner of the shoe. 

One of the most prominent forensic podiatrists is Dr. Michael Nirenberg.  An article written by Dr. Nirenberg in 1989 stresses the importance of forensic podiatry.  In “Forensic Methods and the Podiatric Physician”, Dr. Nirenberg compares forensic podiatry to the fields of forensic odontology (the handling and evaluation of forensic dental evidence) and forensic anthropology (the handling and evaluation of forensic bone evidence).

Following the publication of Dr. Nirenberg’s journal, the American Society of Forensic Podiatry was formed.  This group serves to organize podiatric physicians who are involved in forensic podiatry, and promote the use of podiatric forensics in legal cases.  The group also serves as a means of communication between forensic podiatrists to share information and research. 

Some of the information that a forensic podiatrist may gather as evidence in a case includes the podiatry records of people involved, footprints, shoe gear that may be left at the scene of a crime, and in some cases, even a gait analysis from a security camera can be used!  However, the most valuable and easily administered evidence in past criminal cases that forensic podiatrists have contributed to comes from a comparison of the wear patterns of the inside of shoes.  The way that a person wears a shoe down, especially on the inside of the shoe in the sock liner, is unique to the individual.  Furthermore, this wear pattern is seen in most shoes that a person will wear.

Forensic podiatry is a fascinating field that is slowly but surely gaining attention.  Some predict that one day forensic podiatry will be as common as any other form of forensics, and the information collected from forensic podiatrists will be ubiquitous in the world of criminal justice.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

IT Band Syndrome

If you are a runner, chances are good that you’ve suffered from an injury at some point in your running career.  It may have been hip, knee, lower back, or foot pain that brought you to a stop.  In any case, the experience was likely unpleasant.  Some of the most common running-related injuries are also the most preventable.  One of the most common running-related injuries is iliotibial band syndrome (IT Band Syndrome).

The iliotibial band is a sheet of tissue that runs from the hip to the knee.  At the hip, it connects to a muscle called the tensor fascia latae.  This muscle works in abducting the thigh (pulling it away from the midline of your body) and rotating the thigh medially while walking or running.  At the knee, the IT band attaches to the tibia, or shin bone, at a point known as Gerdy’s Tubercle.  This point is located on the tibia just below the knee, on the outside of the leg. 

Pain from iliotibial band syndrome can be quite debilitating, and will certainly bring your running to a temporary halt.  The pain is generally diffuse, and is located at one of the attachments of the band of tissue.  Most people complain of pain at the knee, specifically at Gerdy’s Tubercle, but the pain may also be referred to the hip. 

If you have a tight iliotibial band, there may be some relief from stretching out the tissue:

Stretch #1:  From a standing position, cross the injured leg behind the uninjured leg.  Next, lean towards the uninjured side, with your hands on your hips for balance.

Stretch #2:  While sitting on the ground, extend your uninjured leg straight out in front of your body.  Next, cross the injured leg over the uninjured leg, and pull the injured leg as close to your chest as possible. 

            Try each of these stretches, holding the position for 30 seconds each.  These should be done everyday, especially after running.  If the pain persists, you may want to go to a doctor to rule out any other causes of hip or knee pain. 

            If you’re just beginning to run, don’t let IT band syndrome discourage you.  It’s something that is easily fixed, and can often be attributed to a pair of poorly fitting shoes. 

            Remember that pain is not normal.  It is the body’s way of warning itself that something is wrong.  If pain persists, it may something more serious and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com