Restless Leg Syndrome FAQs

Is pneumatic cold compression a good treatment option for restless leg syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a fairly common and uncomfortable disorder that causes an urge to move or massage the legs while at rest.

The sensations is often described as:

  • “ants crawling on the legs”
  • “pins and needles”
  • “an itch you cannot scratch”
  • achy legs
  • twitching in the legs
  • burning
  • throbbing
  • pulling sensations
  • numbness

These symptoms often occur or get worse when the body is at rest, most likely in the evening, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is estimated that 10% of the population suffers from this condition, most of whom are women.

Who is most at risk for Restless Leg Syndrome

Risk factors for Restless Leg Syndrome include pregnancy, iron deficiencies, additional health problems, older age, and a family history of Parkinson’s disease.

Pneumatic Compression Devices (PCDs) can alleviate Restless Leg Syndrome discomfort and in some cases, resolve the disorder completely. One study noted that the use of the compression therapy system resulted in a reduction of RLS symptoms in 90% of patients. Typically, patients wear the compression sleeves for an hour before bed, and sometimes while going to sleep if desired.

When it comes to restless leg syndrome, here are some frequently asked questions:

This is a fairly common and uncomfortable disorder that causes an urge to move or massage the legs, sometimes arms, while at rest.

The sensations can differ from person to person, but symptoms are often described as “ants crawling on the legs,” “pins and needles,” “an itch you can’t scratch,” achy legs, twitching in the legs, burning, throbbing, pulling sensations and/or numbness. These symptoms often occur or get worse when the body is at rest – most likely in the evening, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Some prescription medications have been used to treat RLS, however they can cause unfavorable or sometimes intolerable side effects. Patients seeking a safe and non-pharmacological therapy should consider a pneumatic compression device, a compression machine that pumps air into sleeves worn around the legs. The sleeves compress and release to mimic ambulation when one is at rest.

The PowerPlay Leg Massager Kit is a portable system that is lightweight, easy to use and cost-effective. The soft, breathable calf wraps connect to a hand-held compression device (PCD) that provides intermittent, sequential compression therapy.

Sources:

Lettieri C, Eliasson A. Sequential Compression Devices for Treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome. Medicine, 2007;86:317-323
Lettieri C, Eliasson A. Pneumatic compression devices are an effective therapy for restless legs syndrome. Chest. 2009;135:74-80.
Rajaram SS, Shanahan J, Ash C, et al. Enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) as a novel treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS): a preliminary test of the vascular neurologic hypothesis for RLS. Sleep Med. 2005;6:101–106.

Yeh, P., Walters, A. S., & Tsuang, J. W. (2012). Restless legs syndrome: a comprehensive overview on its epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment. Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 16(4), 987–1007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-011-0606-x