Self-Health Measures for Treating Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that disrupts your day-to-day life by inhibiting your periods of rest. The sensation of jittery, crawling, or burning legs, and the desire to move them, can rob you of hours of good sleep, making your waking hours less than pleasant.

Fortunately, RLS itself is not dangerous, and often made tolerable with physician or self administrated methods. While there are many options involving medication, pain killers, and sleep aids, these methods might loose their effectiveness or even cause negative side effects. It is best to try simple lifestyle changes and dietary supplementation before looking to more physically invasive measures.

One of the most commonly blamed reasons for RLS is a deficiency of essential vitamins and nutrients. Many people add iron, vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, or calcium supplements to their diet. Another option is juice therapy to up your folate intake. Good sources of folate are asparagus, kale, or spinach juice. Some people choose to get calcium or potassium through chocolate malt or orange juice. Habitual moderate exercise can help stop RLS symptoms before they start.

Regular walks and basic stretches relieve tension in your leg muscles. Some have suggested that jumping on a trampoline, even for a quick 10 seconds, curbs RLS symptoms. Try following your exercise regimen with pressing hot or cold packs to tender areas of your legs.

Doing things to relax yourself during the day encourages a sense of calm at bedtime. Meditation or yoga can ease your mind and body. Gentle massages and warm baths can bring comfort, although some with RLS prefer cold baths. If you massage you own legs, try focusing on the areas that feel cold.

For long periods of sitting or standing, wear clothing and shoes that maximize your comfort. Warm socks and supportive, nonrestrictive shoes might work well, and if you can choose your seat, opt for something with a foot rest. If you cannot choose your seat, consider investing in a portable, cushioned leg rest.

In the evening, try to avoid stimulating activities and strong foods and substances, including caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, certain movies, spicy dishes, and rigorous exercises. However, keeping yourself mentally alert in the evenings staves off boredom and drowsiness, which might aggravate RLS. Right before going to sleep, try squatting next to the bed for five or 10 minutes for better circulation, and the encouragement of calmness in your limbs.

A consistent sleep and waking schedule is thought to help relieve RLS symptoms. Allowing plenty of time for sleep, as an investment for health and productivity, is an important part of your comfort. Improve your sleep with a quality pillow and mattress.

Neglecting basic nutrition can hinder even the healthiest people. If you have a condition that causes RLS, or simply experience the symptoms of RLS with no known cause, keeping your nutrition at optimal levels it is essential for your health and comfort. Look for vitamins and supplements that can target your RLS, and take them regularly to minimize symptoms and improve your overall health. It is worth trying any solution to lessen your RLS symptoms.

While these suggestions have worked for several people, they may not work for you. Be creative; search for your own best remedy. Among the more unique methods that have helped people with RLS are tonic water (for the quinine), apple cider vinegar rubbed on the legs, and a bar of soap under the sheets at the foot of the bed.

Sources: restlesslegtips.com mayoclinic.com myhomeremedies.com

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