Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that is characterized by an uneasy feeling in your legs that causes you to want to move around. When you have RLS, you can experience symptoms like twitching, burning and tingling sensations and an aching in your legs. These symptoms can also be felt in your arms. There are several home remedies that can be used for treatment.
Hot Bath
Restless legs tend to get worse when you are immobile for long periods of time. That is why symptoms most often occur at night and when you are sleeping. To help relax the muscles in your legs, take a hot bath and massage your legs before going to bed.
Relaxation Techniques
Having high stress levels can lead to irritability, anxiety, and it can also exacerbate your restless leg symptoms. To calm yourself down and reduce your stress levels, participate in some form of relaxation activity. Examples of these are yoga, meditative breathing, muscle relaxation, Tai Chi or listening to soothing music.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Heating pads and ice treatments are generally used for joint pain and strained muscles. You can also use these therapies in an alternating fashion to lessen the tingling and burning sensations in your legs.
Avoidance
Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in coffee, tea and energy drinks. It can give you a quick boost of energy, but if you have restless legs, it can also give you the jitters and exacerbate your symptoms. You should avoid caffeine or eliminate it if you currently use it.
Tobacco and alcohol can also cause your symptoms to become worse or to be triggered. If you currently smoke and drink on a regular basis, give these habits up to see if it reduces your symptoms.
Sleep Habits
Sporadic sleeping habits can cause fatigue, which can make your symptoms worse. Going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time every day can help reduce your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people with RLS find that going to bed later and rising later in the day helps in getting enough sleep. If your schedule allows it, try doing this to reduce your symptoms.
Physical Activity
Exercise offers the body many benefits like better coordination, improved muscle strength, stronger bones, better brain function and improved circulation. It can also help relieve your restless legs. If you do exercise, perform it at a moderate intensity, and do not work out too late in the day as this can have a negative effect on your symptoms.
