Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes you to have a compelling desire to move your legs in order to relieve pain and discomfort. Though there are some medications for restless leg syndrome that can help with the symptoms for this condition, there are many risks that come with these medications.
For example, when dopamine is prescribed for RLS, sometimes it can suddenly become ineffective. Or if you are taking opioids to relieve symptoms, you have the potential to become addicted to these dangerous substances. In addition, there are some medications that can worsen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some anti-nausea drugs.
Because of the troubles that can arise from taking medications, perhaps you have considered trying natural remedies as an alternative. There are several small changes you can make in your lifestyle that can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS. Some of these include:
- Relaxation techniques: Stress can make the symptoms of RLS worse, so learning how to relax using techniques such as meditation or yoga can help, especially before bedtime.
- Exercise: Establishing a moderate, regular exercise routine has been show to relieve many of the symptoms of RLS. However, it is important not to overdo it, as working out too much or too late in the day can have the opposite affect.
- Good sleep hygiene: Since fatigue can worsen the symptoms of RLS, it is very important to practice good sleep hygiene. This includes having a cool, quiet, comfortable environment to sleep in every night, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and consistently getting an adequate amount of sleep.
- Baths and massages: Massaging your legs and soaking in warm baths can help relax the muscles in your legs.
- Warm and cool packs: Alternating between heat and cold can lessen the sensations in your limbs, which will detract from the symptoms of RLS.
- Caffeine-free products: Some people have found that cutting back on caffeine has helped relieve their RLS symptoms. Try to avoid products that contain caffeine, such as soda, chocolate, coffee, and tea for a few weeks to see if this helps with your symptoms.
- A healthy diet: Eating a healthy and balanced diet every day can promote good sleep. Reducing your alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can also help you get a more restful sleep.
- Supplements: There has been recent research that suggests that RLS can be the result of low levels of certain vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Therefore, taking these supplements has been shown to help with the symptoms for many people.
There are numerous home therapies or lifestyle changes that can help you better deal with your restless leg syndrome. However, before making any major changes, it is important that you are working closely with your doctor and making decisions together about how you should approach your health care and treatment. Don’t begin making any major changes or taking supplements unless your doctor has agreed with this line of treatment.
Additionally, remember that these can only help your symptoms—they aren't cures for restless leg syndrome. While it's likely that these home remedies will improve your condition, they won't entirely eliminate it.
