{"id":2812,"date":"2019-08-13T11:29:09","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T09:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/?p=2812"},"modified":"2020-06-16T12:03:33","modified_gmt":"2020-06-16T10:03:33","slug":"restless-legs-syndrome-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/restless-legs-syndrome-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a <\/span>nervous system disease<\/span> characterized by the unpleasant sensation of pulling, pulsating, tingling, or crawling in the lower limbs. These complaints are accompanied by a strong, often overwhelming desire to move. Movement, in turn, helps relieve these symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n Restless legs syndrome treatment<\/span> is of the utmost importance. Since RLS occurs at night, and increases in intensity while your body\u2019s at rest, it can severely disrupt your quality of sleep. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, RLS can also have a clear negative impact on a person\u2019s daily functional activities.<\/span><\/p>\n Given the manifestations associated with the disease, restless legs syndrome is attributed to movement disorders during sleep. However, a single specific cause has not yet been identified. According to experts in neurology who\u2019ve studied restless legs syndrome for years, it\u2019s a genetically conditioned neurological disease that\u2019s marked by a chemical imbalance in the central nervous system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the case of <\/span>restless legs syndrome<\/span>, the <\/span>causes and treatment<\/span> go hand in hand. Because the problem is purely neurological, the effects of treatment occur quickly in most cases.<\/span><\/p>\n However, the etiology and pathophysiology of RLS are very complex, and various factors play a role. The most recent explanation for the causes of the disease can be found in the so-called iron-dopamine model. A connection with dopamine reception has been confirmed\u2014patients suffering from <\/span>restless legs<\/span> saw <\/span>relief<\/span> after the administration of dopamine agonist. Further proof of this hypothesis is the syndrome\u2019s presence in Parkinson\u2019s disease patients\u2014who also have a dopamine deficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n Low levels of iron in the cerebrospinal fluid are likely to cause a dysfunction in the dopaminergic system, which could be the underlying pathophysiological basis of RLS. The possible problem could be attributed to impaired transport and storage of iron in the basal ganglia, which is indirectly related to dopamine mediation. Patients suffering from <\/span>restless legs<\/span> note <\/span>magnesium<\/span> and folic acid deficiencies, along with the expected <\/span>low iron symptoms<\/span>. The former is especially typical for people who have kidney disease.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also been assumed that genetic factors play a role in the chance of someone having the syndrome. There have been observed cases of patients under the age of 40 noting a family connection.<\/span><\/p>\n Aside from the verified causes we\u2019ve already mentioned, there are a few more possibilities for <\/span>what triggers restless legs syndrome.<\/span> Although there isn\u2019t yet a proven link to the disease, the following may also play a role:<\/span><\/p>\n The disease has a progressive course, with some patients experiencing long symptom-free periods, followed by a new onset of complaints. Several main features characterize the disease:<\/span><\/p>\n The syndrome often combines with the so-called periodic movement of the limbs (80% of patients experience involuntary movements of the legs while asleep). In addition, studies show that <\/span>caffeine<\/span><\/a> increases a patient\u2019s chance of their legs <\/span>twitching in<\/span> their <\/span>sleep<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n But <\/span>how do you fall asleep with restless legs?<\/span> Indeed, lasting an average of 20\u201340 seconds, RLS can disturb your sleep structure and even wake you up. This means patients are also likely to have problems with daytime sleepiness. In some cases, the syndrome is linked to severe symptomatic and untreated physical and mental exhaustion, <\/span>depression<\/span>, and other related concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s no specific test or examination that can prove the diagnosis. In most cases, it\u2019s based on a clinical evaluation and the exclusion of any other possible causes. This means that before being prescribed an effective <\/span>restless legs syndrome medication<\/span>, some illnesses\u2014such as Parkinson\u2019s disease, diabetes, fibromyalgia<\/a>, and various joint or muscle disorders\u2014will have to be excluded.<\/span><\/p>\n However, a polysomnographic study in a sleep research laboratory could be conducted. Some sleep specialists consider this test the gold standard for diagnosing the syndrome. Additional laboratory tests will be needed to exclude the diseases mentioned above.<\/span><\/p>\n Using the polysomnographic study, we can monitor a patient\u2019s periodic limb movements during sleep to calculate an appropriate index of movement. In addition to its diagnostic value, the test also serves to individualize treatment and then monitor its effect.<\/span><\/p>\n But <\/span>is restless legs syndrome serious?<\/span> Well, the syndrome isn\u2019t a life-threatening problem, though it does impair quality of life. It\u2019s important to know that these symptoms may also suggest early kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson\u2019s disease, or deep vein thrombosis, sciatica, or other neurological disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n A statistical study in the US shows that the disease affects about 10% of the population, both in childhood and adulthood. Usually, <\/span>restless legs at night<\/span> occur among people over the age of 30, with the symptoms increasing as they get older. <\/span>Old age<\/span> and the presence of concomitant diseases are associated with more severe RLS occurrences, with symptoms appearing more frequently and for a longer duration. The syndrome can affect both men and women, but the incidence rate among women has been observed to be twice as high.<\/span><\/p>\n There is no universal cure for the disease. Treatment is challenging and usually doesn\u2019t provide long-lasting results. Initially, a patient will be advised to make some changes in their lifestyle\u2014like avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming<\/span> caffeinated beverages<\/span><\/a>. According to several specialists, these will further aggravate symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n A patient usually only requires a drug-based <\/span>RLS treatment<\/span> when it becomes clear that their quality of life has been impaired as a result of pronounced sensory and motor symptoms, as well as sleep disturbances. The treatment that will then be administered depends on the type of disease and the polysomnographic analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n Treatment for RLS<\/span> may include dopamine agonists, anticonvulsants (gabapentin and pregabalin), benzodiazepines, or opioids to calm the sensory sensations. In most cases, these will suppress the patient\u2019s symptoms. However, it\u2019s essential that the various medications are dosed correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n Since the disease\u2019s symptoms intensify at night, it can harm and worsen your sleep, leading to <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s hard for patients to avoid wondering <\/span>what stops restless legs syndrome.<\/span> However, the severe discomfort or numbness in the limbs can be alleviated by massaging the legs or moving them until the feeling stops. <\/span>Also, some patients claim that a <\/span>weighted blanket<\/span><\/a> alleviates their symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n The primary drug that controls RLS\u2019s clinical symptoms is clonazepam because it stabilizes the transmission of nerve impulses. Suitable medications are also carbidopa and levodopa, which are also used to treat Parkinson\u2019s. Other drugs that control the clinical symptoms are the sedatives methadone and codeine. However, <\/span>restless legs syndrome treatment guidelines<\/span> only suggest use of the latter in extreme cases because they can cause severe dependency in patients.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Sleep aids and muscle relaxants can help you fall asleep more naturally in the evening, but they won\u2019t eliminate the unpleasant sensations. Furthermore, they sometimes cause daytime sleepiness or other side effects without giving patients any long-term benefits or RLS symptom relief. Nevertheless, in most cases, the feeling of <\/span>jumpy legs<\/span> can be controlled with some light medicines as well as some<\/span> exercises<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Nutritionists also suggest taking <\/span>vitamins for restless legs<\/span>. Specifically, you can enrich your <\/span>daily menu<\/span> with some nutritional supplements containing blue-green algae, which normalizes nutritional deficiencies due to its rich range of dietary micronutrients. According to nutritionists, you should add foods rich in fiber, iron, vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, or multivitamins to your diet. In the case of a folic acid deficiency, doctors recommend taking between 400 and 1000 \u00b5g of folic acid daily.<\/span><\/p>\n An <\/span>RLS treatment<\/span> with herbs to relieve muscle tension and <\/span>leg pain at night<\/span> can include passionflower, valerian, and black cohosh. Extracts of Viburnum opulus and herbal antispasmodics can also be practical and long-lasting solutions to the problem. Remember to consult your doctor before taking any herbs to treat the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n The misconception that excessive movement can worsen the condition is widespread. In fact, the opposite is true\u2014immobilization provokes the unpleasant sensations related to the syndrome. This is why RLS often happens on a long flight, in a movie, or in a confined space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Frankly, the best recommended home remedy is making lifestyle changes. No matter your age, it\u2019s never too late to improve your motor habits and physical activity and break the vicious cycle of inactivity. In addition, if there are other accompanying diseases that aggravate the clinical manifestations of RLS, they will need to be addressed.<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to know <\/span>how to get rid of restless legs fast,<\/span> a proven method is applying warm and cold compresses. This gives temporary but immediate relief in your <\/span>aching legs when<\/span> you\u2019re <\/span>lying down<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Keeping yourself entertained just before bedtime also helps\u2014boredom and drowsiness can exacerbate the symptoms. This can be done by reading a book, watching a movie, playing games, or maybe solving a crossword puzzle. Drinking warm tea or a similar hot drink is another effective <\/span>RLS natural treatment<\/span>. But avoid eating within a few hours of going to bed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once you\u2019re ready to go to sleep, <\/span>your bedroom<\/span><\/a> should be as quiet as possible, at the optimal temperature, with no TV or computer nearby. Sometimes, sleeping with socks can significantly relieve your symptoms and improve your sleep\u2014probably because this <\/span>RLS home treatment<\/span> keeps the feet warm and protected.<\/span><\/p>\n To help you consistently fall asleep in the evening, keep a regular bedtime, use the bed just for sleep, and maybe follow a relaxation technique, like <\/span>meditation<\/span> or <\/span>yoga<\/span><\/a>. Simply maintaining healthy sleep habits can reduce the syndrome\u2019s episodes. You might want to start following certain \u201crituals\u201d\u2014such as taking a hot bath, watching a film, or listening to music\u2014to help your body adjust to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n Other methods such as acupressure and homeopathy are broadly used as a <\/span>restless legs syndrome natural treatment<\/span> meant to reduce any <\/span>pain in<\/span> the <\/span>legs at night<\/span>. However, they are not necessarily recommended because there isn\u2019t enough scientific proof demonstrating their efficacy.<\/span><\/p>\n No matter what, it\u2019s best to find a system that works best for you. To do this, you may even want to keep a diary to keep track of what\u2019s obstructing and aiding your sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n Potassium plays a critical role both in sending nerve impulses and in muscle contraction. As bananas are a superb source of potassium, consuming these fruits could help calm your restless legs. However, bananas are not the only significant source of potassium, if you don\u2019t like them. Nevertheless, bananas are brilliant for your nervous and muscle systems, even if you don\u2019t have RLS.<\/span><\/p>\n Even assuming the hypothesis that RLS is caused by a magnesium deficiency is true, it isn\u2019t clear whether magnesium supplements can improve the symptoms. However, some earlier studies indicate that they have some beneficial effects when administered as an alternative therapy for mild or moderate RLS. Anyway, magnesium oil applied directly onto the legs could also potentially improve some of the disagreeable sensations.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s been shown that a sublingual cannabis-based spray containing CBD and THC helped around half of the RLS patients who tried it. Cannabis and CBD have been used to treat <\/span>insomnia<\/span>, especially CBD oil, which often delivers a sedative effect to users. However, CBD oil itself cannot reliably treat RLS, considering that half of the patients saw no effect at all.<\/span><\/p>\n Restless legs syndrome is one of the many so-called sleep disorders\u2014a large group of diseases whose diagnosis has been actively developed in recent years on a global scale. RLS falls into this category because it impacts the <\/span>circadian (24-hour) rhythm<\/span><\/a> and occurs mainly at rest\u2014resulting in severe sleep disturbances. An effective <\/span>restless legs syndrome treatment<\/span>, however, can allow patients to have a qualitative sleep for the first time after what may be years of suffering and discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Since RLS occurs at night, it can severely disrupt your quality of sleep. Therefore, restless legs syndrome treatment is of the utmost importance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,21],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2812"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2812"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2812\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Other Possible Causes of RLS<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
What Are the <\/b>Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
How Do You Diagnose RLS?<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/b><\/h3>\n
What\u2019s the <\/b>Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Alternatives to Medications<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Is the Best Home Remedy for Restless Legs Syndrome?<\/b><\/h2>\n
FAQs<\/b><\/b><\/h2>\n
Do bananas help with restless legs syndrome?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Does taking magnesium help restless legs?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Can CBD oil help with restless legs syndrome?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n