what can be done to relieve Restless Leg Syndrome?

Question

Restless Leg Syndrome keeps me awake most nights. It is a miserable creepy crawley feeling in the legs, that nothing seems to relieve, and I have tried many things. I am hoping for a solution that works. Thanks, Gently

Answer 1

First of all, restless leg syndrome is a recognized neurological disorder. Some people think that its just your nerves (anxiety) but it is a true clinical disorder. It is typically described as unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. They can range from uncomfortable to irritating to painful, depending on your severity.
In some cases, it is found in people with diabetes or neuropathy, smoking and alcohol abuse, but in as many as 50% of cases, there is no known cause.
Treatment includes a few options. There is research going on to help people who suffer from RLS.
Often, treating the associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes, will alleviate many symptoms.
Decrease your intake of caffiene, cigarettes, or alcohol (if that applys to you.)
There are a few medications that can be used. The only FDA approved drug that is approved to treat RLS is Requip. But your doctor may want to try other medications that have been shown to help. Medications such as benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. Dopaminergic agents, largely used to treat Parkinson's disease, have been shown to reduce RLS symptoms. Good short-term results of treatment with levodopa plus carbidopa have been reported, although most patients eventually will develop augmentation, meaning that symptoms are reduced at night but begin to develop earlier in the day than usual. Benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam and diazepam) may be prescribed for patients who have mild or intermittent symptoms. Unfortunately, no one drug is effective for everyone with RLS.

Answer 2

Those commercials drive me nuts!! This is just another ploy by the massive pharmaseutical industry to prey on the hypochrondria of the public. Even worse is the damned 'Dry Eye Syndrome'. Give me a break! With all of the pain and suffering in this world, do we need to focus on such ridiculous and petty issues? The pharmaseutical industry should be ashamed. What they are doing is tantamount to what the tobacco companies did in the 50s and 60s.

Answer 3

I also have episodes of restless leg syn. Depending on how often you are bothered by it will the DR. put you on meds. I don't have it often enough but when it occurs I have to get up and walk just a few seconds to relive it. the feeling is just as you described, horrible. If you're losing a lot of sleep DR. should be able to do something for you, good luck.

Answer 4

There are many medications you can take. Requip, Tegritol, Neurontin etc.

Talk with your doctor. You might want to get into a specialist.

Answer 5

I believe acupuncture might be helpful. Needles should be placed into the belly of the calf muscle.
This is anecdotal only.

Answer 6

See your doctor. There is a prescription drug now that is specifically for RLS.

Answer 7

I believe a magnesium supplement can actually help.