How to Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is aimed mainly at relieving the symptoms, since it is often difficult, if not impossible, to find an underlying cause. What works for one RLS sufferer may not work for another; therefore, it is necessary for each patient to follow the guidelines of his healthcare provider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Consider Treatment Options

1. Treat the underlying medical cause if one has been identified. Diseases such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy can be treated with medication and diet which will relieve many of the RLS symptoms.
2. Change your diet. Some relief from RLS symptoms may be experienced simply by reducing caffeine, tobacco and alcohol use. Increase water intake according to your physician's guidelines.
3. Take supplements if lab tests show a deficit in folate, iron and magnesium.
4. Learn relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and biofeedback.
5. Include a daily exercise routine. While exercise alone may not remedy the symptoms, it will help with total body fitness.
6. Consider the use of acupuncture for relief of RLS symptoms. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese medicine that uses needles to stimulate various anatomical points on the body to obtain specific results.
7. Maintain a cool sleep environment and keep a regular sleep schedule. Consistency is vital to giving the body the best chance of nightly renewal.

Try Medications

8. Consider central nervous system depressants such as benzodiazepines, dopaminergics (used to treat Parkinson's disease) and opioids or anticonvulsants.
9. Find ropinirole (Requip)--approved by the US Food and Drug Administration since 2005--for treatment of RLS. Parkinson's patients have been treated with ropinirole since 1997.
10. Know that other medications used to treat restless leg syndrome include tramadol, clonazepan, bromocriptine, triazolam, gabapentin, clonidine and baclofen.
11. Realize the possibilities of natural and herbal remedies for restless leg syndrome. Many who prefer to avoid conventional medicines claim good results from natural intervention. Always check with your physician before beginning any alternative treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder and may be the primary diagnosis or a secondary diagnosis associated with other medical disorders. Be prepared for many tests before a diagnosis is confirmed.
• Many of the medications prescribed to treat restless leg syndrome come with a long list of possible side effects such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and addiction. Read and clearly understand the possibilities of long- and short-term side effects before beginning any medication routine.

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