Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment

Relief for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome treatment options depend on the underlying causes of the condition. Restless leg syndrome medication is available and exercise for restless leg syndrome is an option too.

Low iron or anemia may be related to changes in RLS. After iron or anemia is managed, some people find their symptoms improve. Iron-rich foods include meat, poultry, fish, yeast-leavened breads and dark green leafy vegetables. Iron supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a health practitioner.

Alternatively, chronic diseases like renal failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy are connected with RLS. Treatment of any underlying disease often relieves RLS symptoms.

The last trimester of pregnancy can coincide with RLS. In most cases, symptoms usually disappear within 4 weeks of the birth.

Some medications, like anti-nausea, anti-seizure or anti-psychotic drugs and some cold and allergy treatments can make symptoms worse. Patients can ask their doctors about switching treatments.

Researchers have also found that caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes trigger symptoms in patients sensitive to changes in RLS. Several studies have shown that the reduction or elimination of these substances improves symptoms.

Some patients report symptom relief from taking a calcium/magnesium supplement containing 300mg calcium and 200mg magnesium each morning plus an additional 200mg of magnesium with the evening meal.

Valerian, a herbal sedative, has also been reported by self-treating patients to relieve symptoms.

Weight loss - obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing RLS, particularly in people carrying a lot of abdominal weight.

Temporary relief for restless leg syndrome may come from hot baths, leg massage, heat or ice packs.

For people whose RLS is due to unknown causes, restless leg syndrome treatment is directed toward relief for restless leg syndrome symptoms. For people with mild to moderate symptoms, prevention is key, and many doctors suggest certain lifestyle changes to control symptoms. Decreased intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may give some relief.

Doctors may suggest that some people take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Studies also have shown that maintaining a regular sleep pattern can reduce symptoms. Some people who find that their symptoms are less severe in the early morning, change their sleep patterns.

Exercise for restless leg syndrome

This is not a straightforward matter. Some sufferers find that a program of regular moderate exercise helps them sleep better, and consequently improve their condition if it is sleep-affected. Others find that excessive exercise aggravates their RLS symptoms.

Medication for restless leg syndrome

Doctors may suggest a variety of restless leg syndrome medications. Generally, doctors choose from dopaminergics, benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. Dopaminergic drugs, mainly used to treat Parkinson's disease, have been shown to reduce RLS symptoms and are often the first restless leg syndrome treatment of choice. Good short-term treatment results with levodopa plus carbidopa have been reported. Benzodiazepines may be prescribed for people with mild or occasional symptoms. These drugs are sedatives and help sufferers get more restful sleep but they do not fully relieve RLS symptoms and can cause daytime sleepiness, and are not a long-term restless leg syndrome treatment. This can be a problem for people with sleep apnea or who are at risk of developing it.

For more severe symptoms, painkillers like codeine, propoxyphene, or oxycodone may be prescribed to help relaxation and reduce pain. Anticonvulsants are also helpful for some patients, as they lessen the creeping and crawling sensations. Dizziness, fatigue, and sleepiness are among the possible side effects. Unfortunately, no single drug is effective for everyone with RLS. What may be helpful to one person may make another person's symptoms worse. Also, medications taken regularly may become less effective, and it may become necessary to change medications periodically.

ource: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)