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Restless leg syndrome advice
restless leg syndrome
(11 Dec 2007)
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As if lying in bed staring at the ceiling isn’t bad enough, for some people they have to contend with a very uneasy feeling of something squirming and tingling under their skin making them want to move their legs and arms all the time. This is what’s called restless legs syndrome. The sufferer moves their legs around every now and then, which gives them relief only for a few seconds or minutes, after which they must find another position to feel better.
The reasons for RLS are many: deficiency of iron, potassium, calcium or magnesium, excessive intake of caffeine, very little exercise, and sometimes something as serious as disorders of the kidneys, lungs and heart, arthritis and circulatory problems. Firstly, you must check whether you suffer from any of the above mentioned disorders and get it/them treated. Treating the underlying problem may get rid of RLS. In addition, you can get some relief by following a few tips.
Begin with making up for a possible lack of iron, calcium and magnesium by having a well-balanced and nutritious diet with green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, poultry, fish, parsley, and red meat, as well as other iron rich foods like beetroot, broccoli, and bananas. Vitamin E also helps cure RLS, so eat food like seeds, nuts, vegetable oil, and whole wheat germ. Drinking a glass of orange juice everyday also provides your body with much needed potassium. Avoid the consumption of caffeine, sodas, and chocolates, and do not have tea right after your meals, as it slows down the absorption of iron in the body.
You can also take the following measures: Give in to your legs’ demands and take a stroll in the night when you experience restlessness. A walk before you go to bed would certainly be helpful. Give your legs a cool water bath, or if you are more comfortable with warm water, then a warm water bath. Right before your bedtime, treat your legs to a soothing massage with apple cider vinegar. You can also use this technique in the morning. You can massage your legs with warm mustard oil before going to bed, or warm olive oil just before taking a shower. Some other tips that would help you: be as stress free as possible, have a regular exercise routine and keep your bed time regular. Do not eat a heavy meal at night and drink one cup of warm milk with honey and a pinch of turmeric powder after your dinner.
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answered by G M on 8 Sep 2009, 6:41:28
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Restless leg syndrome advice Restless leg syndrome (RLS) originates in a slow manner, especially in the later part of the day. Sleeplessness is typical of restless leg syndrome. It is generally seen along with anemia, pregnancy, iron deficiency, polyneuropathy, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, smoking and nerve disease. Also referred to as Wittmaack Ekbom's syndrome, restless leg syndrome fails to interfere with the daily schedule or life. It is an urge to move the legs in a restless manner. Typical symptoms include creeping and crawling feeling in the thighs, arm and feet. It is a hereditary disease. Nerve problems, muscle diseases, circulation problems and joint disorders are some conditions which imitate restless leg syndrome. Caffeine is better avoided. Acupuncture, cold or warm bath and supplementation of magnesium helps. Nerve stimulation also proves beneficial. Decreasing nicotine intake, in other words, smoking can be helpful. Exercise and rest is helpful in providing relief from restless leg syndrome. Oral medications are commercially available. Any underlying complication requires treatment, for complete recovery. It aggravates on resting for a long span of time. Moving the legs or shaking them at regular intervals helps.
Read on for more tips on Restless leg syndrome.
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answered by Dr C on 11 Feb 2008, 5:49:28
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