Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition where legs experience an objectionable sensation generating an overpowering urge to move while either lying or sitting down. The uncomfortable feeling eases and goes away temporarily upon moving the legs.
RLS symptoms are more often than not most bothersome at night, though they can also happen during long stretches of stillness, such as car trips, airline travel, in meetings, or when watching movies.
Often detrimental to ordinary sleeping patterns, RLS can lead to sleeplessness and chronic fatigue. RLS can affect concentration, ability to travel, daily and social activities. It can also affect mood and be a factor to depression.
Although a sole bring about for Restless Leg Syndrome has not been acknowledged, this disorder has been associated with several conditions as well as pregnancy, obesity, neurological conditions, diabetes, ADHD, nutritional deficiency and kidney disease.
Deficiencies of minerals, notably magnesium insufficiency and iron deficiency anemia, are also implicated in generating RLS.
Environmental and other toxins including alcohol, cigarette smoke, caffeine and specific drugs like antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, blood pressure medications and individual prescription antidepressants can also produce or aggravate RLS symptoms.
Natural Restless Leg Syndrome Remedies
If no causative condition is found, several drugs are currently used to treat the symptoms of RLS. These include sedatives, anti-convulsants, pain-killers or dopaminergic drugs, all haveing the possibility to produce unfavorable side-effects and addiction.
There are a few very good programs accessible on the internet that exclusively adress treating RLS naturally. Holistic approaches that cover not only what is going with your legs, but how imperative is to address your overall lifestyle so that you have the best chance to get well.
Here are a few good tips for RLS treatment:
* Follow a moderate exercise program which includes walking or jogging. Do not overdo it or exercise late in the day.
* Stretch the legs, bend knees and rotate ankles during and at the end of the day.
* Massage legs to help relax and soothe restless leg sensations.
* Wear compression stockings, tight pantyhose or wrap legs in ace bandages to relieve RLS symptoms.
* Increase intake of iron supplements if iron levels are low.
* Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
* Reduce caffeine, alcohol and tobacco intake.
* Keep a sleep diary to monitor the effects of medication and natural RLS treatment.
* Soak feet in hot water or apply a heating pad or cold compress to affected area.
* Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time every night and every morning.
* Lie on your side with a pillow between your knees.
Being concious and dilligent, making a commitment to natural and holistic treatments, you can live free from restless leg syndrome.