Options for How to Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome so far has not produced any particular medication from the big pharmaceutical companies. Perhaps this lag in addressing the problem of keeping your legs from moving at night is because not enough people suffer from this medical disorder. Studies indicate that less than 20% of Americans experience restless leg movement that they are unable to stop, which really doesn't translate into big profits for Big Pharma. So if you do have Restless Leg Syndrome, it's up to you take charge and stay in control.

What can you do to treat your irritating condition? You can make an inquiry with your physician into the world of common drugs used off label for restless legs. Some medications targeted for containing the tremors associated with Parkinson's Disease have shown promise. Anticonvulsants such as Neurontin may be helpful in dealing with the pain that often accompanies this medical problem.

One of the best alternative treatment ideals you can tap into is changing your lifestyle. Just a moderate amount of exercise done around six hours before hitting the sack can have a dramatic impact on the amount of restlessness your legs experience. If exercise at that time is out of the question, then warm up the circulation in your legs by taking a warm bath an hour and a half prior to bedtime. Do what you can to keep your legs and feet warm during the night and you may notice a significant reduction in the unpleasantness that arrives with Restless Leg Syndrome. As is often the case with medical problems, laying off the caffeine, tobacco and booze can help reduce the tremors in your legs at night.

Natural treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome can stem from a problem that may be at the root of your problem. A very common element that people suffering from restless legs share is a lack of adequate iron in their diet. Hit the pharmacy and invest in a bottle of iron vitamins. While you are at the pharmacy, collect a B vitamin complex as well as picking up some extra magnesium and calcium. The smart approach is to have yourself tested beforehand to see if you are lacking in any of these nutrients that may be at the root of your restless legs at night.

A final approach to controlling Restless Leg Syndrome is to regularly undergo a procedure called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS about 15 to 30 minutes before going to bed. When you choose to take this approach to treatment, you will have electrodes placed on your skin through which you receive a very mild electrical impulse. Don't worry about TENS coming across like shock therapy. A much better analogy would be that you are receiving a very concentrated massage.