Millions of people around the world suffer from RLS everyday and what is frustrating to many is that the cause of it remains unknown till today although there are studies that show it has to do with some form of problem with the brain chemistry.
It is always recommended to visit a doctor to seek medical advice on restless leg syndrome treatment if you find that you are getting some of the below-listed restless leg syndrome symptoms.
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment – What Are The Symptoms?
Below are some of the commonly experienced symptoms reported:
- May experience an electrical charge, itching, pulling, pain and the feeling that your legs are on pins and needles. Pain stops upon movement. The pain is likely to worsen when you are sitting down or lying in bed.
- Crawling or tingling sensation along the upper legs (often described as having insect crawling under the skin of the legs)
- Restlessness – Uncontrollable urge to get up and move around the room
- Jerking of the legs – legs may jump and jerk uncontrollably and it is completely random, can happen anytime, sleep or awake.
- Can last all night or could be just a few minutes – this symptom varies from person to person
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment – What could be The Causes?
Although the exact cause of it is unknown, yet there has been many things that are linked to people who are suffering from such condition and these includes:
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Anemia
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency – e.g. Iron & Folate
- Hormonal disease
- Genetic
- Age
- Diabetic
- Obese
So What Are The Treatments For RLS?
Natural restless leg syndrome treatments:
- Lifestyle Change – cutting down on the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco has been shown to help
- Dietary Change – Intake of supplements to offset deficiencies of iron folate and magnesium.
- Taking warm bath, application heat to the leg for example heat pad or hot water bottle can help increase blood flow to the leg. Increase blood circulation has been known to relieve some of the symptoms.
- Sleep on the side with a pillow placed between knees.
Prescription Drug Therapy:
This is for those suffering from more severe symptom of RLS where the natural restless leg syndrome treatment has no effects on.
Below are the 4 classes of drugs used for treating the more severe form of RLS:
- Opiates – commonly used for pain relief and has been found to be effective in treating RLS
- Anticonvulsants – A drug that help suppress sensory disturbances and severe muscle spasms
- Dopaminergics – Commonly used for treating Parkinson’s disease, will help increase the level of dopamine in the brain
- Benzodiazepines – this prescribed drug can help RLS sufferers sleep though the night as it is a form of sedative that works on the central nervous system.
Other Medications:
- Muscle relaxant can help one sleep better at night hence reducing the occurrence of RLS.
- Opioids – A kind of strong pain killer that can help relieve the tingling sensation in the legs and do note that they can become addictive if taken in huge doses.
- Sleeping medication for curing insomnia can also be used to help you sleep better thus reducing the chance of getting hit by RLS.