Restless legs?

Question

Have being dealing with this for a very long time and have tried almost everything...but maybe someone out there might have something that I haven't tried yet..willing to try almost anything.

Answer 1

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that is characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs. This problem causes difficulty for a large number of people around the world and you are not alone. A lot of different treatments are attempted for RLS.

New drugs started coming available in the mid 2000's the first was ropinirole sold in the US as Requip, and there is pramipexole sold in the US as Mirapex. These are the two medications specifically designed to treat RLS. However, several drugs approved for other conditions have undergone clinical studies in RLS and have been found to be helpful. These medications fall into four major classes: dopaminergic agents, sleeping aids, anticonvulsants, and pain relievers. Common medications which may be tried are Klonopin also known as clonazepam, this medication I have had great success with in patients in the past and even have my mother's RLS controlled on this medication. Additionally, goodresults are seen with the antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medications as they are actually neuromodulators controlling the neurologic activity and RLS is a neurologic disorder. Do not be concerned if you doctor places you on these medications, it does not mean you have or will have seizures. You should never adjust your medications without speaking to your doctor first. In addition to medications, there are other things you and your doctor can consider when trying to help you deal with RLS.

In addition to medications, there are other things you and your doctor can consider when trying to help you deal with RLS. These options may include:

Checking to see if there is an underlying iron or vitamin deficiency and then possibly supplementing your diet with iron, vitamin B12 or folate.
Looking at medications you may be taking which make RLS worse. These may include drugs used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions, nausea, colds, allergies and depression.
Looking at any herbal and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking to see if they could be worsening your RLS.
Identifying habits and activities that worsen RLS symptoms.
Looking at your diet to assure it is healthy and balanced.
Discussing whether or not antihistamines could be contributing to your RLS.
Eliminating your alcohol intake.
Looking at various activities that may help you personally deal with RLS. These could include walking, stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massaging, acupressure, or relaxation techniques.
Attempting to keep your mind engaged with activities like discussions, needlework or video games when you have to stay seated.
Implementing a program of good sleep habits.
Possibly eliminating caffeine from your diet to aid in general sleep hygiene.
I recommend that people try learning biofeedback or yoga as a relaxation technique to control the RLS symptoms and have had good success.

Everyone is an individual, and no one treatment will work for everyone. I would caution you to watch for the following:

Because the use of even moderate amounts of some minerals (such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium) can impair your body's ability to use other minerals or can cause toxicity, you should use mineral supplements only on the advice of your healthcare provider.

The use of caffeine often intensifies RLS symptoms. Caffeine-containing products, including chocolate and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks should be avoided. The consumption of alcohol also increases the span or intensity of symptoms for most individuals.

As far as exercise programs go, a combination of moderate aerobic exercise and lower-body resistance training three days a week reduces symptom severity by about 50%. Studies have found that it takes about six weeks to see maximum benefit from an exercise program. Generally, people with RLS have reported that moderate exercise seems helpful and that strenuous exercise worsens their RLS symptoms.

Optimal diagnosis of RLS is made by obtaining an over night sleep study or poly-somnogram. Many providers will diagnose based on the symptoms, but RLS can mimic other conditions and it is best diagnosed under clinical observation.

I hope this information is helpful.

Good luck with your symptoms

Answer 2

I take Klonopin at night before I go to sleep, I also have insomnia, but with the restless legs, it was horrible, I would have to get up and walk around, my legs would ache, and feel like things were crawling on them, I couldn't relax at all.

I have been taking this for a couple of years now, and I sleep very well.

Answer 3

I had a problem with the same thing. i was having it everynight and day time too. Although i was never diagnosed until I started getting dizzy and found out I that I have iron defiency anemia. Once I started taking iron supplements it is gone I dont have it anymore.. at all. i was having it everyday and it just stopped.. it is great..
I hope this helps you.

Answer 4

Try a web search for "restless legs syndrome" + "natural remedies".

Answer 5

You could try tonic water as it has quinine in it, i was prescribed tablets with this in by my GP. I also used to wear socks in bed when it was really bad. If you haven't already go to your GP and see what he can give you. Good luck

Answer 6

I must be one of the lucky ones because a warm bath and raised legs usually sooths mine.

Answer 7

Maybe you should try talking to God for solutions. Drugs and counselling may help in the short run, but it is ultimately God who will heal you.

Answer 8

It's very common and I assume you've seen your G.P. I have it too but if it disturbs yor sleep you really should try seeing other doctors if yours hasn't helped.

Answer 9

GO C YOUR DOC