The Health Nut Blog

Now that restless leg syndrome is an established condition, there are many drugs available to combat it. Most of the drugs that doctors can prescribe for restless leg syndrome are drugs that have been available for a while to treat other diseases. There are drugs that help with Parkinson's disease by changing the level of dopamine in the brain. (Dopamine is the messenger in the brain that tells the muscles about the motions they need to make.) There are opioids, drugs that are narcotics like codeine, Vicodin, etc. If these are used in too high of a dose, they can be addictive.

There are muscle relaxants, and other sleep aids. Often, those with restless leg syndrome have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, because of the motions in their legs. But these don't do anything to help with the leg sensations, they just help you fall asleep. And they can cause drowsiness in the daytime. There are also medications that are usually prescribed for patients with epilepsy that can work for those with restless leg syndrome. All things taken into consideration, though, an alternative treatment for restless legs would be better. Let's take a look at some alternatives out there.

Other Than Drugs for Rls, There Is...

There are many things you can do to relieve restless legs. The alternative treatments for this condition can help a lot, often improving things to the point where you don't need drug therapy at all.

First of all, take a look at your diet. Some common denominators of those with restless leg syndrome are they are often low in iron or vitamin B12, and sometimes low in folic acid. Eat a healthy diet, and consider taking a multivitamin to augment your nutrition.

Exercise is a smart alternative treatment for restless legs. Whether workout out at a gym or walking in the neighborhood, or even just stretching at home, exercise can help a lot with restless leg syndrome. (Just be careful to not overdo it or work out too close to bedtime, as those can make the symptoms worse.)

Other Alternative Treatments for Rls, Restless legs

For restless legs, other alternative treatments include: taking a hot or cold bath, as can acupressure, massage, and heat or ice packs on the place that is affected. When you're trying to sleep, many people say having an unwrapped bar of soap under the sheet down by their feet helps.

A few other keys to managing restless leg syndrome include, planning your seat when you will have to sit for a while, like on an airplane or in a movie theater. Sit on the aisle so that you can easily stand up if you want. Also, doing things to occupy your brain can help eliminate that itchy feeling. So try doing some mentally challenging things, or carry on a conversation.

Also, doing handwork can help (think not only knitting and crocheting or hand sewing, but also video games). If you can't get up but need to move, try shifting in your seat or drawing circles with your toes by rolling your ankles. You'd be surprised how much even a little movement can help. There are many alternative treatments for handling restless leg syndrome – just try them and see which works best for you!

# posted by NeilG @ 5:47 PM