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- What is restless legs syndrome?
- Symptoms of restless legs syndrome
- Causes of restless legs syndrome
- Prevention of restless legs syndrome
- Risk factors for restless legs syndrome
- Complications of restless legs syndrome
- When to see a doctor about restless legs syndrome
- Diagnosis of restless legs syndrome
- Conventional treatment of restless legs syndrome
- Alternative/complementary treatment of restless legs syndrome
- Living with restless legs syndrome
- Caring for someone with restless legs syndrome
Prevention of restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome may be unpreventable in certain circumstances:
- Certain conditions - people with certain conditions may be predisposed to developing secondary restless legs syndrome and there may be very little that can be done to prevent this. Secondary restless legs syndrome is most commonly associated with: kidney disease (especially if dialysis is required), diabetes, fibromyalgia, myelitis, nerve disease, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins
- Medications - people who are taking the medications that are known to be a risk factor for causing secondary restless legs syndrome may not be able to prevent their symptoms very effectively while taking the medications. The medications most likely to cause this condition are: anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, beta-blockers, H2 blockers, lithium and neuroleptics
- Peripheral neuropathy - it may be difficult to prevent restless legs symptoms from developing if the condition peripheral neuropathy also exists
- Pregnancy - studies show a number of women experience restless legs syndrome, possibly due to the greater amount of blood volume and blood flow during the pregnancy
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There are ways to prevent restless legs syndrome from occurring:
- Nutrient deficiencies - certain deficiencies (iron, magnesium and vitamin B12) are known to to be a risk factor for causing secondary restless legs syndrome. These deficiencies are generally preventable (unless caused by a metabolic inability to absorb these nutrients which needs to be checked out properly by a medical doctor) by following a good diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, protein and grains to prevent these deficiencies
- Prevention of type 2 diabetes - one of the associated conditions with restless legs syndrome is peripheral neuropathy, a disorder common in people with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is mostly preventable by engaging in an adequate exercise plan and eating mostly healthy, unprocessed food
- Stress - any excessive stress is detrimental to any disorder as it aggravates symptoms ad prevents healing from occurring very quickly. In addition to this, being stressed uses up the body's stores of magnesium very quickly and a magnesium deficiency is associated with incidence of restless legs syndrome
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices - drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes or having excessive amounts of caffeine are all linked to causing secondary restless legs syndrome. Choosing healthier lifestyle choices can all help to prevent symptoms from getting worse, or even prevent the development of this condition in the first place
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< 3: causes 5: risk factors > Last reviewed: 29 October 2007 || Last updated: 5 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
