The restless leg syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system which leads to an urge to move the legs constantly. An unpleasant sensation in the legs can force a person to move his legs to treat it. This sensation generally occurs when people are resting or asleep. The constant need to move the legs can disturb sleep and cause other problems like daytime sleepiness, fatigue, irritation, headaches, depression and mood swings. This syndrome usually affects people who are older. Females are more affected than males by this syndrome. The restless leg syndrome is also known as the shaky leg syndrome because of the shaking movement which it causes.

The restless leg syndrome can make the leg area itchy, and the pins and needles sensation can also occur which can cause a lot of discomfort. This may be accompanied by burning, pulling, aching or throbbing sensations in the legs. Sometimes these symptoms can also shift to the arms. To know the correct restless leg syndrome treatment method, you first need to analyze the underlying causes of this syndrome which are multiple and varied.

Causes of the restless leg syndrome

During pregnancy, women generally suffer from this syndrome. It is a part of the discomfort felt at such a time in various parts of the body and can be a temporary symptom.

Anaemia or deficiency of iron can make the legs weak and cause the restless leg syndrome. People suffering from chronic ailments like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, thyroid, peripheral neuropathy and kidney failure are more susceptible to this syndrome. Side effects of medicines for allergy, depression, nausea, psychosis and cold containing sedatives like antihistamines can cause the restless leg syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome treatment

The best restless leg syndrome treatment method is to identify the cause and treat it, which will automatically cure this syndrome. The causes mentioned above need to be kept in mind before going for a restless leg syndrome treatment. The syndrome does not have any cure, but it can ease with time when the causes are eliminated. Some simple things which can help to solve the restless leg problem are leg massages, application of alternate heat pads and ice packs to the area, lifestyle changes in the form of establishing regular sleep patterns and reducing the use of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.

Exercising can make the leg muscles strong and flexible and help in reducing the unpleasant sensation. You can also make use of the vibrating pads and administer them to the affected area to loosen up the muscles and increase the blood circulation which can provide immediate relief. Sitting or lying down in one place for a long time can cause pain or numbness due to prolonged inactivity. When the leg wakes up as the blood circulation increases, the pins and needles sensation is felt, and you have an urge to shake or move the leg. So you should be more active in your daily life to avoid this problem.

There are two types of restless leg syndromes – primary and secondary.

The primary RLS usually begins at forty or forty-five years of age and has no specific causes. It can disappear just as suddenly.
The secondary RLS is associated with specific medical problems. Oral supplements of iron can help to eliminate or reduce the symptoms. Some medications like pramipexole, cabergoline, rotigotine, and ropinirole can also prove to be effective.
Anticonvulsants or antiseizure medicines like Lyrica, Neurontin, and Tegretol can cure the sudden stiffening and pain in the legs. However, you should always consult a doctor before taking doses of the above medications so that these do not have any side-effects on your body.

The main purpose of the restless leg syndrome treatment is to control the symptoms and increase the periods of restful sleep. However, if you are suffering from sleep apnea, uremia, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease or magnesium deficiency, you first need to get treatment for these problems to solve the restless leg syndrome.

You can try out methods like sleeping late to avoid the pain that usually occurs at night. Following a regular time for going to bed, stretching before sleep, soaking in warm baths, exercising your brain by solving crosswords and puzzles and moving your legs from time to time to avoid numbness can help a lot. Also, breathing deeply, practicing yoga, avoiding the use of television or computer before sleep are some of the things which you can follow for restless leg syndrome treatment at home. Try out these restless leg syndrome treatment methods to see the results as early as possible.