Restless legs, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) refers to the uncomfortable and uncontrollable urge to move your legs while sitting or lying down, however, the sensation temporarily goes away when getting up and moving around. Restless leg syndrome can start at any age, however, usually worsens with age, says MayoClinic.com. Symptoms include feelings of creeping, burning, tugging or feeling like there are insects on or inside the legs, and can disrupt sleep, which leads to daytime sleepiness. Restless leg syndrome needs to be evaluated and treated, because failure to do so can result in lack of energy and fatigue.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to learn if underlying medical conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, or iron deficiency is contributing to your restless legs. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and pain in your extremities and is caused by nerve damage, explains MayoClinic.com. Your physician will perform a physical examination, including blood tests to determine the cause of your restless legs. In addition, MayoClinic.com reports that treating the underlying condition can greatly relieve your symptoms.
Step 2
Ask about Parkinson's disease medications, which help reduce motion in your legs by altering amounts of the chemical messenger, dopamine in the brain. Drugs such as pramipexole (Mirapex) and ropinirole (Requip) are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treating moderate to severe restless leg syndrome. Ask your doctor if these drugs are appropriate for your situation, and discuss risks and side effects of the medications before beginning treatment.
Step 3
Inquire about sleep medications and over-the-counter medications. MayoClinic.com states that medications, called benzodiazepines help improve sleep at night, but they do not eliminate leg sensations and can contribute to daytime drowsiness. In addition, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can relieve nighttime pain and might relieve restless leg irritation. Talk to your doctor about these medications, as some can cause important side effects or lead to dependence.
Step 4
Reduce caffeine, and tobacco use. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, explains that for those patients with mild to moderate symptoms, many physicians suggest lifestyle changes to eliminate or reduce symptoms of restless legs. Decreasing caffeine and tobacco use might provide relief from your symptoms, as these substances are stimulants and can aggravate your condition.
Step 5
Get regular exercise. A regimen of regular exercise can promote better sleep, explains NINDS. In some patients, however, excessive exercise can exacerbate symptoms of restless legs. Ask your health care provider if exercise can benefit your symptoms .
Step 6
Think about a medication change. Certain medications such as antidepressants, anti-seizure medication and medications to control nausea can cause or worsen restless leg syndrome, says Wemove.org, a website dedicated to awareness and education for movement disorders. Discuss your current medications with your doctor to determine if they are contributing to your symptoms, and if they are, he can recommend a change.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your health care professional to check your blood levels of folate and magnesium. If you are deficient, supplements can correct your deficiency, explains NINDS, and might reduce your symptoms.
- Do not delay treatment of your restless leg symptoms because if left untreated, daytime fatigue can occur. Excessive fatigue can negatively affect your job, activities of daily living and personal relations.
Things You'll Need
- Physical examination
- Parkinson's disease medications
- Sleep medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Exercise program
References
- MayoClinic.com: Restless legs syndrome - Definition
- MayoClinic.com: Restless legs syndrome - Treatments and drugs
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet
- MayoClinic.com: Peripheral neuropathy - Definition
- Wemove.org: What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome
