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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
Living with restless legs syndrome
There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help deal with restless legs syndrome:
- Adequate nutrients - a blood test will determine if you have a deficiency in iron, magnesium or vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), all of which are implicated as risk factors for the development of restless legs syndrome. In addition to this, blood levels of folic acid should also be tested as it is another risk factor for this condition. If you are deficient in certain important nutrients, your doctor will advise you take supplements and eat foods high in these nutrients too, to reduce your deficiency and help your body more effectively deal with the condition
- Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke - if you smoke, you need to try to give it up, as smoking cigarettes is not only detrimental to the body, but cigarettes also make symptoms of restless legs syndrome much worse. Take care to avoid exposure to any second-hand cigarette smoke as the effects can be just as detrimental on symptoms
- Exercise regularly - even if it just walking, regular exercise helps to improve circulation in the peripheral extremities, boosts energy levels and makes you feel good. Try to aim for at least a half-hour walk every day and keep to this schedule. Not only will the regular exercise help to reduce symptoms, but it will also help you to manage your weight
- Hot and cold packs (alternate) - a very effective remedy for any type of nerve/muscle pain in the body is to put on a hot pack for about 10-15 minutes, followed by a cold pack for the same time. This should help to alleviate the worst of the pain, but if it continues, apply the packs again alternating between the hot and cold with some time in between without the packs and continue until the pain subsides
- Limit alcohol intake - try to limit your alcohol intake because a high alcohol intake is associated with increased and more severe symptoms, probably due to the diuretic effect that alcohol has on the body, which reduce the diameter of the blood vessels and this can reduce circulation, which can make symptoms much worse. It is recommended to drink as little alcohol while symptoms are at their worst, to prevent them worsening
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- Limit caffeine intake - try to limit your caffeine intake as high caffeine intake is associated with increased and more severe symptoms, probably due to the diuretic effect that caffeine has on the body, which reduce the diameter of the blood vessels and this can reduce circulation, which can make symptoms much worse. It is recommended to have as little caffeine while symptoms are at their worst, to prevent them worsening. Caffeine is mostly found in: coffee, tea, chocolate and some energy drinks
- Reduce stress - it is imperative to reduce stress as it can exacerbate an mood problems that are caused from the sleep depravation or insomnia. Effective ways of reducing stress are: meditation, tai chi, yoga and any other type of relaxation strategy. Not only will reduced stress levels help you cope with the symptoms of the condition but it can also assist with reducing symptoms as well
- Regular massage - a regular massage is highly recommended as an effective way to help improve circulation in the legs (and arms), reduce inflammation and ultimately reduce symptoms. Find a certified massage specialist to provide regular massages
- Side effects from medications - ensure you tell your doctor if you experience any type of side effects from any medications you have been prescribed. Your doctor may need to lower the dosage or swap the current medication with another one
- Sleep - one of the most common symptoms of restless legs syndrome is sleep depravation or insomnia and this only leads to other symptoms (such as mood problems and daytime sleepiness and inability to concentrate properly). There are a number of herbs (passiflora, hops, skullcap and chamomile) which are effective at inducing sedation without the side effects of conventional sleeping medications
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< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > 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.
