1. Treat the Underlying Causes
While restless leg syndrome (RLS) is still being researched, findings have linked it to other preexisting conditions. Medical conditions such as varicose veins, anemia, kidney and thyroid diseases, diabetes or Parkinson's disease all are correlated with RLS. Treating these conditions can therefore help to treat RLS.
2. Explore Natural Remedies
Movement provides only temporary relief for the creepy-crawly feeling of RLS, but walking, stretching and exercising can help reduce its prevalence. Weight training your legs will fatigue your muscles, which can help prevent an occurrence of restless leg syndrome. Massaging your legs can also help, but movement is more effective. Pressure is also known to help relieve RLS. Use an elastic sports bandage to wrap your legs where the symptoms of RLS occur. Just be sure you don't wrap your legs so tight you cut off circulation. Even a pair of tight pantyhose have been shown to be enough to reduce RLS symptoms. Another natural method for relieving RLS is placing a pillow between your legs while you sleep. This aligns your legs more naturally and prevents your nerves from over-stressing or compressing during the night. Applying heat or cold to your legs can be beneficial, but be sure not to fall asleep with a heating pad on or with liquid ice packs in your bed. Finally, you should limit or abstain from alcohol, caffeine and nicotine consumption, as these substances are known to contribute to the prevalence of RLS.
3. Take Your Vitamins
Sometimes RLS is caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Take regular vitamin supplements and improve your eating habits to ensure that you get all the nutrients you need. Iron deficiencies are also thought to lead to RLS, so check with your doctor to determine if an iron supplement is necessary.
4. Use Prescription Medications From Your Doctor
Speak to your doctor about prescription medications currently used to treat RLS. Ropinirole and Pramipexole imitate the effects of dopamine, the brain's muscle-controlling chemical. These drugs are currently considered the most effective, although they can produce side effects such as marked daytime drowsiness. Other medications, like Restoril and Xanax, are also used in the treatment of RLS, but these drugs merely help users sleep through an RLS episode. Anticonvulsants like Neurontin have been used when other drugs have failed. Opiates are used as a last resort in the event that other medications do not work.
