How to cope with restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS for short) is a problem which causes unpleasant or miserable sensations within the legs by having an irresistible desire to move them. These signs and symptoms generally happen in the late afternoon or night time hours and they are generally more serious in the evening while relaxing, such as sitting or lying down in bed. Due to this it may turn out to be not easy to fall asleep or go back to sleep after awakening. Moving the legs or walking typically alleviates the signs and symptoms but the sensations often reoccur as soon as the motion stops. This may have a substantial influence on the quality of life that can bring on concentration and work productiveness difficulties mainly because of the sleep disorders. As many as 10% of the population have been estimated to possibly have got restless legs syndrome. RLS impacts both males and females, but it is more prevalent in females. The explanation for restless legs syndrome is just not known. Even though this problem can be quite miserable, the majority of cases of restless legs syndrome can usually be treated with non-drug treatment options and when required, medicines.

There are a few underlying disorders, for example an iron deficiency, which might be linked to restless legs syndrome and correcting that deficiency of iron with iron supplementation can substantially alleviate the symptoms. When there is no underpinning problem, then the treatment will at first give attention to changes in lifestyle and if those may not be useful various prescription drugs might be trialled.

A few of the things which really should be tried such as things similar to soaking in a warm bath and also massaging the legs to relax the muscle tissue. Applying hot or cold packs could decrease the limb sensations. As tiredness tends to increase the signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome, so it's vital that everyone do aim to have enough sleep. Undertaking mild and frequent physical exercise may also help to relieve signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome. However, overdoing it or working out later on in the day could make the signs and symptoms even worse. In some cases lowering coffee could help restless legs, therefore avoid caffiene products if achievable, including chocolates that contains caffeine. There are some specific foot wraps which applies pressure on the feet that has been noted as helping some individuals. Some report relief from sleeping under heavier blankets on the bed.

If these measures tend not to help, next several medicines are usually trialled for the restless legs syndrome. It could take a few trials to get the appropriate medications or mixture of prescription drugs at various dosage amounts to seek out the things that work best for every individual. One list of drugs are those that increase dopamine in the brain for example Ropinirole (Requip), rotigotine (Neupro) and also pramipexole (Mirapex). Another group is the drugs that affect calcium channels including gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) as well as pregabalin (Lyrica) that are very effective for some people that have restless legs syndrome. Narcotic drugs might minimize moderate to serious symptoms, but they might be addictive if used in higher doses. This may involve tramadol as well as the codeine medicines. Muscle relaxants as well as sleep drugs are often trialled to help improve sleep, however they won't modify the experience of the symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome is generally a life time problem, therefore managing it requires building coping methods which work for each individual. Support communities have become helpful for this back up.