Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes and Treatments

This article will examine the symptoms, likely causes, and treatments of RLS. Research indicates that there are some cases that can be identified genetically, some are due to drugs for other conditions, and some cases are determined by the overall condition of the patient.

Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition where limbs, usually the legs, have sensations of pain, itching, pins and needles, or other discomfort which produces an irresistible urge to move and which is temporarily relieved by flexing and moving the legs around. It usually occurs in the evening and isn't as pronounced in the morning but is a cause of insomnia for the sufferer. RLS affects people of all ages but is more common after age forty. This article will deal with both primary RLS (meaning not caused by any other medical condition) and secondary RLS, as 60% of cases are familial (primary) and can be traced to an "autosomal" (meaning a non sex-determining) dominant chromosome. Secondary RLS usually occurs after the age of forty in people who are obese, who have had recent surgery, and those with osteoarthritis.

No prevention method has been established or studied but there are treatments available that alleviate the symptoms; one is a natural supplement branded as "All Calm" for RLS, a pure, refined, concentrated, and safe "magnesium citrate" in a special bio-available form that is prepared and consumed like tea so that it acts immediately. The manufacturer uses only USP grade ingredients and markets the preparation exclusively. It provides relief from both chronic Restless Leg Syndrome and bothersome leg cramps that restrict the ability to get a good night's sleep.
In 2005, the FDA approved the first drug for treatment of the disorder, ropinirole (Requip). In 2006, the FDA also approved pramipexole (Mirapex). In addition several drugs approved for other conditions have been found to be helpful in clinical studies. These medications fall into four major classes: dopaminergic agents, sleeping aids, anticonvulsants, and pain relievers.

Evidence suggests that your doctor should test you for iron deficiency and then supplement your diet with iron or vitamin B-12. It's also necessary to look at other medications that may have RLS worse such as medicine for high blood pressure, heart conditions, nausea, colds, allergies, or depression. Herbal remedies, alcohol, and diet can be factors to be considered. No single pharmaceutical drug for RLS has proven to be entirely effective in eliminating the symptoms for everyone. The imbalance suggests that lifestyle, exercise, and diet are such major factors on the neurological communication with the muscles. Symptoms can be lessened with stretching, running, massage treatment, acupressure, yoga, tai chi, or simple walking. Having a good balance of nutrients with iron, potassium, and B vitamins is always a good idea. Bananas contain high levels of potassium and are effective at reducing cramps in the calves and thighs.

When sleep deprivation occurs it may be wise to eliminate caffeine as much as possible. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks all contain high levels of caffeine and should be avoided to prevent sleep loss. Good sleep habits like regular hours rather than naps or oversleeping will help to keep the body's energy ready to function rather than to sink into depression and fatigue.

Whether the treatment is pharmaceutical or natural it's advisable to consult with your doctor since medicines or dietary substances can affect each other and may be dangerous. Various drugs have been used in the treatment of RLS: antidepressants such as Prozac, Elavil, and Lexapro; antihistamines found in cold, allergy, and over-the-counter sleeping pills; anti-nausea medications like Phenaergan, Reglan, and Compazine; even some psychiatric medications to treat bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. These substances can be dangerous and should be taken only on the advice of a doctor. With the success rate of the natural remedy All Calm, it is probably best to try the most natural substance available before using pills that have general toxic effects on other systems of the body. As with every remedy, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use after consulting a doctor.