Restless legs syndrome ( RLS ) can sometimes affect the arms . When symptoms only occur in the arms , the condition is called restless arms syndrome ( RAS ) . RAS is much less common .
RLS in the arm may have soreness , crawl ace , and a stiff urge to move the arms , especially at Nox .
Both RLS and RAS can range from soft to serious , potentially affecting a person ’s quality of life , sleep , and mental wellness .
This clause examines RLS in the arms , including the causes , treatment , and how to manage it .
What is RLS in the arms?
RLS is a neurologic term , also known as Willis - Ekbom disease .
While it primarily affect the legs , a 2019 review mention research that suggests21 % to 57%of people with RLS may also receive symptoms in the arm . In these people , symptoms usually begin in the legs and affect the downhearted limb more badly than the upper limb .
However , in restless arms syndrome ( RAS ) , the symptomspredominantlyaffect the arms . Although RLS is one of the most uncouth neurological disorders , scientistsbelieveRAS may be highly rarefied due to a lack of reports .
That being said , doctors may also underdiagnose RAS due to its irregular demonstration . Because of this , it is difficult to estimate the true prevalence of RAS .
Symptoms of RLS and RAS
The symptom of RLS that affects the munition can variegate from soft to severe .
Symptomsmay affectone or both weaponry and admit uncomfortable sensations , such as :
The symptoms may hap or decline at night or during residual . They may ameliorate with movement .
Severe RLS or RAS may causesleep perturbation , which may lead to rock-bottom quality of life andmental health conditions , such asdepression .
Causes and risk factors
reticular activating system part many of the same clinical characteristic as RLS . However , while there is grounds RLS can have primary or secondary crusade , a2021 reviewfound no grounds of secondary RAS .
“ Primary ” means a condition occurs on its own , while “ secondary ” entail it is the resultant role of another condition .
This means it is unreadable on the button what causes RAS . The case of RLS that also affects the sleeve are better understand .
Primary RLS or RAS
Primary RAS or RLS occurs on its own , for no other reasons . Scientists are still learn why this happens . However , the condition may stem from :
Secondary RLS
RLS in the arms could also be the resolution of another aesculapian condition or a drug , such as :
Diagnosis
Doctors may bank on a person ’s description of their symptoms to diagnose RLS or RAS . The followingmust applyfor a person to incur a diagnosis :
A medico may execute tests , such as descent tests andurinalysis , to rule out other potential crusade of symptoms .
Treatment for RAS
The treatment for RAS may depend on the rigourousness of the precondition .
For mild symptom , a doctormay adviselifestyle adjustments and other nondrug treatments , such as :
For serious symptoms , a doctormay prescribemedications such as :
If a medicinal drug is the reason of the symptoms , a MD may suggest stopping the medication or switch to a dissimilar type , if potential . A someone should not stop deal any medication without first confab their doctor .
FAQ
How common is RAS?
There are few reported cases of RAS , which could indicate that the condition isextremely uncommon . However , the experimental condition is in all likelihood underdiagnosed , which stand for the dependable prevalence is unnamed .
RLS that affects both the arms and legs is more common .
Can pregnancy trigger RAS?
Around1 in 5pregnant people experience RLS , which share clinical characteristics with RAS , during the net 3 month ofpregnancy . RLS can impress the arms .
Can doctors cure RAS?
Because true RAS is rare , there is presently a deficiency of research into treatments . However , doctorscan sometimescure secondary RLS by treating the underlying causal agency of the status .
Summary
uneasy peg syndrome ( RLS ) can sham the arms as well as the branch . Rarely , people can have restless arms syndrome ( RAS ) , which only affects the arms .
A individual with either experimental condition see uncomfortable sensation in the limbs and an urge to move them , particularly at night .
Treatment may depend on the inclemency of the condition . For some , lifestyle change and ego - care practices may be enough to reduce the symptoms . For others , medicament may be necessary to better sleep or tone of lifetime .
It is best for anyone with symptoms of RLS or RAS to talk with a doc , who can look into whether there is an underlying cause .
