How to Recognize Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a diagnosis where patients complain of "creepy crawling sensation running down the leg and the need to move around to eliminate the symptom. The problem appears to be more common in women especially elderly age group. The condition is also called Ekbom Syndrome and is more of a annoying disorder which causes disruption in quality of sleep. Here are some ways to reduce the symptoms of restless leg or jumpy legs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• multivitamins
• cotton socks
• silk pyjamas
• massager
• water

1. Avoid taking sleep medication to overcome the sleepless nights form restless legs. These medicine may provide short term solution but after a while you develop tolerance to the medicine and it does not work effectively and the you will find yourself with the same leg problem and dependency to the drugs
2. Eat multivitamins especially iron. It is thought that deficiency in this element can contribute to restless legs.
3. Folate deficiency can also contribute to restless legs. You can buy folate tablets readily form most health food stores or local pharmacy.
4. getting up and walking around and exercise will help to alleviate the sensation of restless legs. Usually the symptom strikes at nighttime but if you try to ignore it the symptom becomes worse so just comply and get up and walk around.
5. STOP SMOKING. This one change in habit will help to decrease the frequency and duration of the symptom. It will also help maintain a healthier body and risks of other smoking related problems.
6. Massaging the legs and body will help the restlessness. Give a 10 mins leg massage before going to bed. Use aromatherapy or scented massage oils to help to reduce stress and increase the relaxation effect.
7. Wear loose cotton or silk underwear or pyjamas. This will decrease the restriction of blood flow to the lower legs and also allow ventilation to that part of the body.
8. If the ache and pain from the restlessness is intolerable you can take an aspirin to reduce symptoms.
9. Lower your stress level by doing more exercises and relaxation techniques. Yoga, pilates, and meditation can help to reduce the occurrence of the restless legs.
10. Using heat pads and warm lamps to get the muscles to relax can also help .these items are readily available to buy in most health stores.
11. Try to not take cold and sinus medications because studies have shown that they increase the symptoms. according to the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation
12. Reduce the intake of caffeine. Stop drinking less coffee or switch to decaffeinated beverages.
13. Changing positions constantly can help to reduce the sensations. This will help reduce the restriction and decrease the pressure on that particular side of the body and will help increase the blood circulation.
14. Soak the feet in cool water for 10 mins or more. Use aromatherapy oils added to the water to help in the relaxation. You can buy water massage bath kits in most health stores.
15. Rubbing the leg with an electric vibrator can help reduce some symptoms. Also wriggling the toes and feet can help.

Tips & Warnings

• The symptoms of restless leg syndrome can be an early sign of more serious conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's Disease, or neurological disorders. Seek medical adivce before you decide on the diagnosis.
• Some prescription drugs have been shown to help in the reducing of the symptoms so consul the doctor and he/she may prescribe the medication .