Nerve disorders Archive

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects up to 10% of Americans and twice as many women as men. Risk factors include age, genetics, iron-deficiency anemia, and pregnancy. A variety of therapies can alleviate symptoms, which are dominated by creepy-crawly, sometimes painful leg sensations that tend to strike around bedtime. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended in March 2024 to stop using dopamine-boosting drugs as first-line therapy for RLS; it should be taken only by patients whose symptoms don't respond to other treatments.

People with peripheral neuropathy may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and other unpleasant sensations. Often the cause cannot be determined, so the condition must be managed by attempting to treat the symptoms.

Walking may be hampered for a number of reasons, such as arthritis, a joint sprain, or muscle strain. Most often people already have pain from these conditions even before they begin walking. But individuals who are pain-free and then experience pain when walking that gets worse as they walk faster or longer could suffer from one of three conditions: peripheral artery disease, sciatica, or lumbar spinal stenosis. Ironically, the best strategy for any of these is to keep walking and staying as active as possible.

A pulled muscle sometimes feels similar to a pinched nerve. But muscle pain is usually dull and doesn't radiate outward, while pinched nerve pain is sharp and burning and extends from one area to another. Pinched nerves can stem from pregnancy, arthritis, or injuries.

Some older adults feel cold frequently. This may result from age-related physical changes or an underlying condition. Examples of underlying conditions that might make a person feel cold include anemia, an underactive thyroid, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon. People who experience coldness that interferes with their daily activities or sleep should talk to a doctor about it.