Medication
The 11 Best Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome
- Ruling out potential causes. Your first step in addressing RLS should be to figure out if something is causing it. ...
- Healthy sleep habits. Having good sleep habits is advisable for anyone, but perhaps especially for people who have trouble sleeping, such as those with RLS.
- Iron and vitamin supplements. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Yoga and stretching. ...
- Massage. ...
Self-care
You can find it in foods like: 7,9
- Oranges
- Beans and peas
- Avocados
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Enriched grain products like bread, cereal, pasta, and rice
Nutrition
Options to Calming RLS
- Diet is Critical to Calm RLS Symptoms. Being aware of the food and substances that you are putting into your body is probably one of the most important things that ...
- Stretch & Move. ...
- Wrap Your Legs with Gentle Pressure. ...
- Tonic Water for Restless Legs. ...
- Avoid Caffeine and Chocolate. ...
- Don’t Overdo It. ...
What is the best thing for restless legs?
Try taking a warm bath or shower, one of the more useful home remedies to help reduce restless leg syndrome. Warmth relaxes muscles and helps prevent spasms and twitching. Adding Epsom salts can reduce aches and pains. A warm bath can also help you wind down and set the stage for a restful night.
What foods help with restless legs?
How to stop restless legs immediately?
What is the remedy for restless leg?
What is the best medicine for restless legs?
Certain medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica), work for some people with RLS . Muscle relaxants and sleep medications. These drugs help you sleep better at night, but they don't eliminate the leg sensations, and they may cause daytime drowsiness.
What is the main cause of restless leg syndrome?
The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes). Other medical conditions linked to RLS include: Parkinson's disease. Varicose veins.
Can you take anything for restless leg?
Painkillers. A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
What stops restless leg syndrome immediately?
Home Remedies to Stop the Restlessness ImmediatelyProper leg care - Use graduated compression socks during waking hours. ... Exercise - Low-impact aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, and cycling all encourage better circulation in the legs.More items...•
How should you sleep with restless legs?
Lifestyle TipsCut out caffeine and alcohol.If you're on a conference call or just watching TV, massage your legs and stretch them.Take a hot bath to relax your muscles.Apply ice packs to your legs.Don't eat a big meal right before bed.Practice meditation or yoga to reduce symptoms.Take daily walks.
What vitamins help restless leg syndrome?
A 2014 study found that vitamin D supplements reduced RLS symptoms in people with RLS and vitamin D deficiency ( 9 ). And for people on hemodialysis, vitamins C and E supplements may help relieve RLS symptoms (4, 10 ). Supplementation with iron or vitamins D, C, or E can help certain people with RLS.
Why put a bar of soap under your pillow?
Before you tuck yourself into bed, slip a bar of soap under the covers. The unproven folk remedy might cure your nighttime woes, according to its loyal adherents at least. Snoozing with suds supposedly prevents nocturnal leg cramps, those painful muscle contractions waking you in the middle of the night.
What medications worsen restless leg syndrome?
The following medications have been known to cause or exacerbate the symptoms of RLS:Antidopaminergic medications (eg, neuroleptics)Diphenhydramine.Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin-norepinepherine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Alcohol.Caffeine.Lithium.More items...•
Will ibuprofen stop restless legs?
Talk to Your Doctor About Pain Relievers According to the Mayo Clinic, when RLS symptoms are very mild, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at the first sign of symptoms may lessen some of RLS's uncomfortable sensations.
Do bananas help restless leg syndrome?
Eating more fruits, like bananas, can help restless legs syndrome. Eating more vegetables, like leafy greens, can help restless legs syndrome
What is the best muscle relaxer for restless leg syndrome?
Certain medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica), work for some people with RLS . Muscle relaxants and sleep medications.
Does Vicks help with restless leg syndrome?
As soon as you dry off your feet, put a light coating of Vicks VapoRub all over your feet, in between your toes, on the balls of your feet, and around your ankles, then sit for 15 minutes with your feet up. I swear by this – it works! No more RLS for me.
How to treat RLS?
2. Healthy sleep habits.
Why is RLS important?
Because of the effects RLS can have on your life, treatment is important. Methods of treatment are varied, as the root cause of RLS isn’t truly known. For instance, some researchers suggest that RLS is caused by problems with the brain chemical dopamine, while others suggest that it’s related to poor circulation.
How long does it take for RLS to go away after massage?
Her RLS symptoms eased after two massage treatments, and didn’t start to return until two weeks after the massage regimen ended ( 20 ). The author of that study suggested that the increased release of dopamine caused by massage could be a reason for the benefits.
What is the term for the movement of the limbs during sleep?
The movements caused by RLS are called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Because of these movements, RLS can cause serious sleep problems. Some people have primary RLS, which has no known cause.
What is the condition called when you feel a tingly feeling in your legs?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations, most often in the legs. These sensations have been described as tingly, crawling, creeping feelings, and cause the overwhelming urge to move the affected limb. RLS symptoms typically occur when the person is sitting, resting, ...
What are the health conditions that are linked to RLS?
Certain health conditions have been found to be related to RLS. End-stage renal (kidney) disease, or ESRD, and nerve damage from diabetes have been linked with RLS. Iron deficiency anemia also has a strong connection with RLS (see iron below) ( 4, 5#N#Trusted Source#N#, 6#N#Trusted Source#N#).
What is the first step in addressing RLS?
Your first step in addressing RLS should be to figure out if something is causing it. While RLS can be related to things that are largely out of your control, such as genetics or pregnancy, other possible factors can be addressed.
How to cure restless legs syndrome?
Avoiding tobacco and eating a healthy diet: The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation 10 recommends reducing alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and salt and following a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition to relieving RLS symptoms, a healthy diet can help improve sleep quality. Exercising: Moderate exercise and stretching may help reduce RLS ...
What is the best medication for restless legs?
Restless Legs Syndrome Medication. Medication 16 is currently considered the gold standard for people with moderate to severe RLS. To reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects, always work with a doctor to find the medication that’s right for you.
How to treat RLS?
Home remedies offer a simple way to improve RLS symptoms. Though more research is needed to confirm how effective these methods are, many people with mild to moderate RLS symptoms find relief from a combination of the following: 1 Moving the legs: Moving the affected body part usually leads to relief from uncomfortable sensations, though symptoms may return when movement ceases. 2 Implementing healthy sleep hygiene habits: RLS can cause sleep loss , but it’s also exacerbated by sleep problems. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and ask your doctor for personalized sleep hygiene tips. 3 Avoiding tobacco and eating a healthy diet: The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation 10 recommends reducing alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and salt and following a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition to relieving RLS symptoms, a healthy diet can help improve sleep quality. 4 Exercising: Moderate exercise and stretching may help reduce RLS symptoms. That said, people with RLS should be careful with high-intensity activity, which may cause muscle cramps and stiffness that can exacerbate symptoms. 5 Receiving massages or self-massaging: Some people find relief from RLS symptoms after massaging affected areas. 6 Using heat or cold: RLS-related discomfort can often be tamed by applying a hot or cold compress or taking a warm bath before bed. Response to temperature may vary from person to person.
What causes RLS to be reduced?
Peripheral neuropathy. Renal insufficiency. Medication such as antihistamines and certain antidepressants. For many people, addressing these factors may lead to a drastic reduction in RLS symptoms. However, if symptoms are still bothersome, or if they interfere with sleep, doctors may advise additional remedies.
How does restless leg syndrome work?
Restless legs syndrome treatment aims to reduce discomfort from symptoms and improve sleep quality.
What is the best treatment for RLS?
Anti-Seizure Drugs. Anti-seizure drugs are often used for people who experience pain along with their other RLS symptoms. These drugs are gaining popularity as an RLS treatment because they seem to work as well as dopaminergic agonists, but are less likely to cause augmentation of RLS symptoms.
What vitamins are good for RLS?
Other vitamins and minerals such as magnesium 5, zinc 6, and vitamin D 7 may also play a role in RLS. Pregnant women in particular may benefit from folate supplements 8, while people with kidney problems may benefit from vitamin C and E supplements 9.
What are some non-drug treatments for a swollen leg?
Several non-drug related treatments that most patients suffering with this disorder already appreciate include hot baths, massaging and rubbing the legs, applying hot or cold packs, restricting the amount of caffeine or alcohol and partaking in moderate physical exercise.
Is there a cure for restless legs?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for restless legs syndrome. At present, there is no one drug which works for everybody, but most individuals with restless legs syndrome will find some benefit and relief with the currently available medications for treating this disorder, which can be divided into several categories: dopamine-related medications, opiates, benzodiazepines receptor agonists (BRAs), alpha-2 delta medications and iron supplementation.
Is RLS a precursor to Parkinson's disease?
The dopamine-related drugs include levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. These drugs are also used for Parkinson's disease. However, there is no indication that RLS is related to, or is a precursor of, Parkinson's disease. These medications are likely to be effective in reducing symptoms in 90 percent of patients with restless legs ...
Does iron help with restless legs?
Iron Supplementation. The significance of low iron in causing RLS is outlined in the segment on Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome . Since the 1950s, it has been known that iron therapy, even without the presence of anemia has benefits for RLS symptoms. Studies have shown a strong relation between body iron stores as determined by serum ferritin ...
Is RLS pain a pain?
It is important to realize that RLS for a majority of patients is not about pain; it is an abnormal, uncomfortable sensation. Tolerance to the opiates when treating RLS seems to be less of a problem than that seen with treatment of chronic pain disorders. YouTube. RLS Foundation.
What is the RLS Foundation?
By assessing the findings, RLS Foundation is able to develop new tools to support patients, partners/spouses and physicians as they work together to achieve long-term disease management. The survey findings provide insight that helps the Foundation educate the medical community and the general public about RLS.
How to help a person with a symtom?
Identify and track any habits or activities that worsen your symptoms. Review your diet to ensure it is healthy and balanced. Eliminate or limit alcohol and caffeine from your diet to help improve sleep. Find activities that help you cope.
Is there a cure for RLS?
There is currently no cure for RLS, but many treatment options are available to help manage symptoms. Your doctor can help you explore ways to lessen your symptoms through lifestyle changes, self-care and medication. If you need medication, your healthcare provider will guide you through careful trials to find a drug and dosage ...
How often do you have restless legs?
Intermittent symptoms are classified as experiencing bouts of restless movements less than twice a week. Chronic RLS is the occurrence of more than two episodes of restless legs per week.
What is the best medication for RLS?
Some of the most popular are dopamine agonists, which are also used to treat Parkinson's disease. 3 Other common drugs to treat RLS are benzodiazepines and opioids, which are often used for patients who have ongoing issues getting restful sleep when other medications have ...
What foods are bad for restless legs?
What foods are bad for restless leg syndrome? Any food or drinks that contain caffeine in them are known to exacerbate the effects of restless legs. On the whole, avoiding foods or drinks that are high in sugar, like chocolate or soda, can minimize the signs of RLS. What triggers restless leg syndrome?
What is chronic RLS?
Chronic RLS is the occurrence of more than two episodes of restless legs per week. Finally, refractory RLS is when the disorder does not respond to monotherapy and needs a combination of therapies to control it. Not all cases require pharmacological medications.
What does it mean when your legs shake?
These feelings of discomfort and the urge to move or shake suddenly predominantly occurs in the legs, although it can also happen in the arms. 1 The sensation is often described as a crawling, creeping, or tingling sensations, and is relieved with the sudden movements of the limbs. As a result, people with restless leg syndrome often have ...
Can restless leg syndrome cause fatigue?
As a result, people with restless leg syndrome often have difficulty sleeping, resulting in excessive tiredness throughout the day and impaired judgement, which can negatively affect work and personal life.
Is there a cure for restless leg syndrome?
There is currently no known cure for restless leg syndrome, but there are many treatments that can help manage it and reduce its impact on your life. This disorder can ebb and flow, often going away for long periods of time.
When does Restless Legs Syndrome occur?
It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities.
What are the symptoms of RLS?
Symptoms. The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include: Sensations that begin after rest. The sensation typically begins after you've been lying down or sitting for an extended time, such as in a car, airplane or movie theater. Relief with movement.
How to tell if you have RLS?
The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include: 1 Sensations that begin after rest. The sensation typically begins after you've been lying down or sitting for an extended time, such as in a car, airplane or movie theater. 2 Relief with movement. The sensation of RLS lessens with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking. 3 Worsening of symptoms in the evening. Symptoms occur mainly at night. 4 Nighttime leg twitching. RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes your legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep.
Why do my legs twitch at night?
Symptoms occur mainly at night. Nighttime leg twitching. RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes your legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep. People typically describe RLS symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their legs or feet.
Can RLS be a serious medical condition?
The disorder is more common with increasing age and more common in women than in men. RLS usually isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem. However, it sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as: Peripheral neuropathy.
Can pregnancy cause RLS?
Pregnancy. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS signs and symptoms. Some women get RLS for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. However, symptoms usually disappear after delivery.
Can RLS cause drowsiness?
Some people with RLS never seek medical attention because they worry they won't be taken seriously. But RLS can interfere with your sleep and cause daytime drowsiness and affect your quality of life. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have RLS.
Treatment
Mechanism of action
Uses
Prognosis
Specialist to consult
Pharmacology
- Your provider will take your medical history and ask for a description of your symptoms. A diagnosis of RLSis based on the following criteria, established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group: 1. You have a strong, often irresistible urge to move the legs, usually acc…
Interactions
Significance
Benefits
Administration
- Unfortunately, there is no known cure for restless legs syndrome. At present, there is no one drug which works for everybody, but most individuals with restless legs syndrome will find some benefit and relief with the currently available medications for treating this disorder, which can be divided into several categories: dopamine-related medicatio...
Research
- Dopamine is a chemical that is produced by certain cells in the brain and this group of drugs functions to either increase the amount of dopamine made by the cell (levodopa) or increase the dopamine signal to other surrounding cells by mimicking dopamine in the brain. The dopamine-related drugs include levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine.
Effects
- These drugs are also used for Parkinson's disease. However, there is no indication that RLS is related to, or is a precursor of, Parkinson's disease. These medications are likely to be effective in reducing symptoms in 90 percent of patients with restless legs syndrome. Excessive sleepiness, increased compulsive behavior and more commonly, augmentation, a paradoxical worsening of …