Restless legs syndrome (abbreviated as RLS) is a condition that creates unpleasant or irritating feelings in the legs having an irresistible craving to move the legs. These symptoms frequently happen in the late afternoon or evening hours and are typically more serious at night while resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. Because of this it could turn out to be challenging to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. Moving the legs or going for walks commonly reduces the symptoms but the sensations often recur once the activity stops. This will have a considerable effect on the quality of life and might lead to concentration and work efficiency difficulties due to the lack of sleep. As many as 10% of people have been calculated to probably have restless legs syndrome. It affects both women and men, but it is more common in females. The reason for restless legs syndrome just isn’t established yet. Although this problem is very miserable, almost all cases of restless legs syndrome can be treated with non-drug remedies and if needed, medicines.

There are some underpinning disorders, for example iron deficiency, that are related to restless legs syndrome and fixing that iron deficiency with iron supplements can noticeably relieve the symptoms. If there is no underpinning disorder, then the treatment will to begin with give attention to changes in lifestyle and if those may not be very helpful different drugs will be tried.

A number of the things which need to be attempted including things like soaking in a warm bath and also massaging the legs to relax the muscles. The application of cold or hot packs may lessen the limb feelings. As stress and fatigue has a tendency to increase the symptoms of RLS, therefore it is important that everyone do aim to have ample sleep. Undertaking modest and frequent exercise can also help to alleviate signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome. However, overdoing it or performing exercises later in the day might make the signs and symptoms even worse. At times cutting back on coffee will help restless legs, so stay clear of these products if possible, such as chocolate which contains caffeine. There are some specific foot wraps that applies force about the foot which has been noted as helping quite a few people. Some report relief from sleeping under heavier blankets on their bed.

If these methods don’t help the restless legs, next a number of medicines are usually trialled. It could take a few trials to get the correct medicine or combination of medications at different dosages to search out what works best for each individual. One group of prescription medication is the ones that boost dopamine in the brain such as Ropinirole (Requip), rotigotine (Neupro) as well as pramipexole (Mirapex). Another group is the medications affecting calcium channels for instance gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) and also pregabalin (Lyrica) that work well for many people that have restless legs syndrome. Narcotic medications might minimize mild to serious signs and symptoms, but they could be addictive when used in high levels. This could involve tramadol as well as the codeine drugs. Muscle relaxants and sleep prescription drugs can be tried out to assist in improving sleep, but they will not likely affect the experience of the signs and symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome is generally a long term disorder, so managing it involves building coping practices that really work for each individual. Support groups have become helpful for this information.