Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS -- a creeping, extremely uncomfortable feeling in your limbs that compels you to move them -- is not fully understood. According to HelpGuide.org, RLS may be related to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine. RLS is frequently genetic and may also be caused by conditions such as iron deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney failure. Staying fit and doing certain exercises may ease symptoms of RLS, but speak to your doctor before starting any plan.
Theories/Speculation
According to a study published in the "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine," RLS tends to occur more frequently in older, overweight individuals. The study, which was led by Melissa McManama Auckerman of Pennylvania State University, evaluated 41 individuals with RLS symptoms. The subjects were randomly assigned either to a control group or to a group that engaged in aerobic and lower-body resistance training three days per week. At the end of the 12-week study, the exercise group had a significant improvement in RLS symptoms compared to the control group.
Misconceptions
HelpGuide.org reports that while exercise may have a positive effect on RLS, excessive physical exercise, such as training for a marathon, may actually worsen symptoms of the condition. Instead, start by taking the stairs instead of an elevator, walk moderately or do brief calisthenics such as jumping jacks.
Prevention/Solution
Maintaining a healthy weight is another important factor in possibly lessening your RLS symptoms. HelpGuide.org notes that symptoms of the condition have been known to decrease when overweight people shed their excess body weight. Talk to your doctor about starting a healthy, balanced diet, which will likely be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Any moderate exercise you do will serve the double function of aiding your weight loss and possibly decreasing your RLS.
Stretching
Certain stretching exercises may also be beneficial to those with RLS, reports HelpGuide.org. For example, do calf stretches. This exercise entails extending your arms straight with your palms against a wall, keeping your elbows as straight as possible. While keeping your right knee slightly bent, take a 1- to 2-foot step back with your left leg, and hold this position for 30 seconds. Then bend your left knee while keeping foot fully grounded on the floor.
Considerations
When losing weight to decrease your RLS symptoms, diet pills that contain caffeine should be avoided. According to HelpGuide.org, caffeine exacerbates symptoms of RLS. Because many diet pills contain central nervous system stimulants, it may be wise to avoid stimulant diet pills entirely, until the mechanism of RLS in the brain is more fully understood.
