Do any of you have restless leg syndrome.....?

Question

How did you handle it non medically during pregnancy? So far all I can do to get relief as i am falling asleep is hang my feet over the edge of my bed and shake them until I finally fall asleep, it can take hours.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

I had restless leg syndrome pretty bad during my pregnancy, and my doctor actually gave me a great tip for relaxing my legs to help me sleep. Stand about 2 feet in front of a wall, place your two palms against the wall, while keeping your feet on the floor, and slowly tense your leg muscles...hold for 30 seconds and repeat once or twice. This worked like a charm for me, hope it helps. Also, there is a really helpfull website that has several non-medicated ways to deal with RLS...here's the address:

http://www.sleep-aid-tips.com/sleep-aid-tips-sleep-disorders-restless-leg-syndrome.html

Answer 2

I have got to say that the answers I have read are a bit distressing to me. I have had RLS for about 10 years and am seeing a sleep specialist for it, I have a sleep study scheduled for next month. I was hoping that I could find a treatment that would make the RLS go completely away but it seems like it will be a life long battle to sleep (by the answers I have read here.) I am going to try and see if acupuncture will help. The drugs that I have been prescribed seem to work for a while until I build up a resistance to them and then have to switch to a different one. The last one was Mirapex but I had very severe side effects and had to stop taking it and return to the Requip and Gabapenten that I was taking. Hot baths do help, also if you have a particularly physical day it seems worse. I also have it in my arms and legs. The most upsetting thing to me is that if you tell someone that you have RLS they look at you like you are from a different planet, ( like oh big deal) The public needs to realize what a debilitating disorder this can be. If anyone has had any experience with acupuncture being effective for RLS please respond to this question . Good luck with this.

Answer 3

Oh my goodness, I had that last night so bad it was almost impossible to fall asleep! (I'm 20wks preggo) I try to do housework or something that keeps me on my feet for a while, right before I go to bed. That usually helps. But last night I was lazy, so I had to settle for the jimmy leg. I think it's funny that they have a name and a pill for it now, although I would never take a drug just because my legs were restless. I also heard drinking lots of water will help. Good luck! I know how annoying it is.

Answer 4

i have the same problem i just put them high up on a pillow. it helps me maybe you should try it..

I also found a website with some information
What kinds of treatments are available for RLS?
Treatment for RLS depends on the individual characteristics of the case. Some possible treatments include:

Iron supplements – For patients with anemia or low iron levels, increasing iron intake can alleviate or eliminate the condition.
Behavior therapy – For mild to moderate cases of RLS (or secondary RLS), your doctor may advise behavioral or lifestyle changes. Some RLS patients find that walking, stretching, yoga, massage, hot or cold baths and relaxation rituals help alleviate their symptoms.
Drug therapy – In more severe cases of RLS and PLMD, drug therapy might be recommended to control symptoms. Generally, physicians choose from dopaminergics, benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. Dopaminergic agents, largely used to treat Parkinson's disease, have been shown to reduce RLS symptoms and PLMD and are considered the initial treatment of choice.
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – Helps to reduce nighttime leg jerking in patients experiencing severe RLS by applying electrical stimulation to an area of the feet or legs. The therapy is done before bedtime for 15 to 30 minutes.
In addition, symptoms of RLS may be improved by sleep hygiene training and awareness. Visit Helpguide's Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep for ideas on improving your sleep habits.

Answer 5

If you mention it to your doctor she will give you these special stockings that help with the circulation in your legs and help with RLS. They are thigh high thick and white. They aren't exactly sexy, but if you have to wear them and are feeling frisky just pretend you're in a school girl uniform lol. Also drink plenty of water!

Answer 6

yes i have it and omg all i could do when preggo was soak in the bath in hot water to settle them down.

Answer 7

i dont have it. but all i know is to avoid caffeine, sodas coffee even tea with caffeine