Restless leg syndrome - any ideas?

tankgirl1

Hi
I have RLS, and have spoke to my GP about it - he was most unconcerned.
It's really bothering me - usually its only when I go to bed, but I'm sat on the sofa now & its driving me nuts! I would sell my soul for a foot & leg massuer on call 24hrs a day! Lol!
Any ideas on how to ease it? Its mainly my feet & lower legs that bother me.

*Louise*

My OH used to have bother with this, I read that he should reduce caffeine, alcohol and tobacco use. He's not a drinker but it did seem to subside when he quit smoking and stopped having 5 coffees a day

That, and a quick walk if it was really bad, all helped.

Kimso

Hiya
This is from the Boots website, it might help:-

There are more articles on the site under the WebMD section of the site.

I have seen herbal products in Holland & Barrett specifically for RLS, might be worth trying the tips below for a couple of weeks first.

Good luck!
Kimso

Tips for restless legs syndrome relief

Itching to move your legs – try these 24 tips for lifestyle relief
By Wendy C. Fries
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Dr Keith David Barnard

Do you have aching, creeping, crawling or prickling sensations in your legs when you lie down or sit still, or have an irresistible urge to move them? If so, these are the classic symptoms of a common disorder called restless legs syndrome.
In the UK approximately 3% of adults are known to have restless legs syndrome (RLS), although the true figure is probably higher. It is common in pregnancy, and as many as one in five pregnant women develop RLS symptoms. Restless legs syndrome does not cause serious health problems, but can interfere with sleep and lead to severe fatigue. Here are some tips for a symptom-free lifestyle.
Eight stretching and movement tips to ease restless legs

1. Get moving at lunchtime: take your sandwich with you for a walk to the park or up the street.
2. Give your circulation and you an afternoon boost by jogging in the same spot for a few minutes.
3. Ease discomfort at work by taking a five-minute break every hour. Get up, stretch and walk around.
4. Do your body a favour and ease RLS symptoms by starting and ending your day with stretching your legs.
5. On the road? Whether passenger or driver stay alert and flexible. Make sure you stop frequently for a good stretch.
6. Try a gentle leg massage to ease your restless legs and relax the mind and body.
7. Jetting off on a business trip? Request an aisle seat when you fly and give your circulation a boost by getting up frequently.
8. Got an afternoon slump? Instead of the coffee and chocolate, get up and do leg stretches for five minutes.

Eight lifestyle tips to ease restless legs syndrome

1. Whether you’re on a conference call or watching TV use that time wisely to give your legs a gentle massage.
2. There’s nothing better than unwinding with a hot bath. Not only does it relax the body and soul but it can help soothe RLS symptoms, too.
3. Try some ice packs to calm those restless legs.
4. Are you getting enough iron? Iron deficiency is occasionally linked with RLS, so if your symptoms are troublesome, discuss this with your doctor.
5. One for the road? Ease up on the drinking as it can make RLS symptoms worse.
6. Ease symptoms and get a better night's sleep by avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime.
7. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation as it may help to reduce RLS symptoms.
8. Certain medications can cause RLS, so it’s always advisable to take medications and herbal remedies only as directed by your doctor.

Eight night-time and sleep tips to ease restless legs syndrome

1. Regular, moderate exercise may help you sleep better. Go for a walk with the children, the dog or a friend, but don’t undertake vigorous exercise within four hours of bedtime.
2. Warm up to bedtime. An electric blanket may soothe away symptoms of restless legs.
3. Don’t exercise too hard! Moderate workouts can relieve RLS symptoms, but excessive exercise may cause them to spike.
4. Sleep a little better by avoiding nicotine and caffeine close to bedtime.
5. You'll sleep better, and feel better, if you maintain a regular sleep routine.
6. Get a better night's sleep by avoiding alcohol close to bedtime.
7. Avoid napping during the day.
8. Count sheep, daydream or simply close your eyes but whatever you do, try not to make bedtime, worry time.

Reviewed on September 30, 2009
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