Restless leg syndrome is a central nervous system disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs and interferes with sleep. This condition often causes fatigue and exhaustion during daytime hours, which can interfere with people's ability to function. Although people have several options to relieve symptoms at home, they should always talk to a doctor when self-care and lifestyle modifications are not effective.
Home Care
People can do many things at home to alleviate the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Massaging the legs and stretching or rotating the ankles may help, as might relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing or visualization exercises. Applying heat or cold to the legs, which includes taking a warm bath and using a heating pad, hot water bottle or cold compress, also can alleviate symptoms. An over-the-counter pain medication is useful for relieving any pain associated with the condition and also may promote sleep. People may also consider lying on their sides with a pillow between their knees to initiate sleep. Finally, if the sensation is unbearable, it sometimes is best to give in and walk or jog around for a few minutes to relieve the discomfort.
Lifestyle Modifications
While self-help measures often focus on alleviating the symptoms when they occur, making certain lifestyle modifications might eliminate or reduce the severity of symptoms in the future. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, explains that people who adopt regular sleep patterns may lessen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. This includes going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time every day, even on weekends. Regular exercise is also beneficial, but excessive exercise can exacerbate symptoms and do more harm than good, warns NINDS. People should also avoid stress, remain as relaxed as possible and decrease alcohol, tobacco and caffeine consumption. The Help Guide website also suggests wrapping legs in ace bandages or wearing compression stockings or tight pantyhose during the day.
Medications
Doctors prescribe a wide variety of medications to treat restless leg syndrome. Each person reacts differently to these medications, so patients may need to try multiple medications before finding the one that works best for them. Some doctors prescribe medications they believe help restless leg syndrome, even if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve those medications for that purpose, explains the Help Guide website. Dopaminergic agents, typically used to treat Parkinson's disease, are often the first line of medication for restless leg syndrome. Other medications include opiates, anticonvulsants, hypertensive medications, benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine sedatives.
Treat Underlying Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause restless leg syndrome, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, an iron deficiency or problems with the kidneys. Treating these conditions often alleviates the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Women who experience restless leg syndrome as a pregnancy symptom often find the condition disappears after the birth of the baby.
