Women can slow the progression of osteoarthritis. When restless legs syndrome interrupts sleep. There is a healthy way to worry. Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of cartilage in joints, is a disease that affects about 16 million Americans. By the time a woman reaches age 65, her chances of having osteoarthritis are more than 50 percent.
Osteoarthritis attacks cartilage, a smooth, gliding surface that covers the ends of bones.
As it progresses, osteoarthritis causes surfaces of cartilage and bone to become compressed and irregular, often resulting in pain and stiffness. When Restless Legs Syndrome Interrupts Sleep Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a condition that affects as much as 10 percent of the population. Its symptoms include a jittery, tingling, burning or aching feeling in the lower legs or thighs. Because symptoms most often occur at night, many people literally lose sleep over it. According to the November issue of Mayo Clinic Women s HealthSource, symptoms of RLS can occur at any time.