An Exercise Ball & Restless Legs

MayoClinic.com defines restless legs syndrome (RLS) as "a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable when you're sitting or lying down." This experience is more common in women than in men, and it is often amplified in the evening hours and after caffeine or alcohol consumption. However, by sitting on an exercise ball instead of a hard seat, you may be able to temporarily relieve RLS symptoms.

Significance

The RLS Foundation describes RLS symptoms as "creeping, itching, pulling, creepy-crawly, tugging and gnarling," and these feelings can become extreme for some people. In fact, RLS can make it difficult to fall asleep at night and may be connected to periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Overall, the sensations are uncomfortable, disruptive and hard to ignore. Although there are no known causes for RLS, it usually worsens with age.

Benefits

Because RLS symptoms are alleviated by moving your legs, sitting on an exercise ball can be a way to cope with an RLS episode. According to the RLS Foundation, relief usually kicks in fairly quickly after you begin to stretch your legs and is sustainable as long as you remain active, which is part of what makes the exercise ball effective.

Prevention/Solution

There are some other things you can do to help reduce RLS episodes. Since anemia has been linked to RLS, the RLS Foundation recommends getting your iron levels checked to find out if there is a deficiency. In addition, evaluating your entire diet to ensure you are getting a balanced variety of quality nutrients can make a difference. Finally, some medications, such as those used to treat nausea, colds, allergies, depression and high blood pressure, can make RLS worse.

Considerations

When using an exercise ball, keep in mind that having the correct alignment and sitting position matters. ExerciseBallWorkouts.net recommends keeping your posture is straight and balanced and your feet shoulder width apart. Also, while moving on the ball, simultaneously flex your stomach. Having the proper form will ensure you fully engage your muscles, and it will keep you safe as well.

Expert Insight

Talk to your doctor if you think you have RLS. According to MayoClinic.com, doctors in the past have attributed RLS symptoms to side effect of stress, insomnia or muscle cramps. However, the condition is now more understood, recognized and studied within the medical community. If you are suffering with RLS symptoms, help is available.