With NIRS, light beams with long wavelengths are used to penetrate the skin. The light causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation One theory posits that RLS is caused by low oxygen levels in the affected area.
Several studies have found this treatment effective. Both circulation and RLS symptoms showed significant improvement Another showed that people treated with twelve minute treatments of NIRS over four weeks also had significantly reduced symptoms of RLS.
Symptoms were improved up to four weeks after treatment ended A NIRS device could cost several hundred dollars, but the long-lasting effects of this noninvasive treatment could be worth the investment.
The above treatments have some research to support their use. Other treatments have less evidence, but may still work for some people with RLS. They include the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation These organizations suggest taking a hot or cold bath before going to bed, or applying hot or cold packs to your legs This could explain the benefits of these hot or cold treatments.
So far, studies have been limited and more research is needed, but the results are promising 4 , 41 , Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS sends magnetic impulses to certain areas of the brain.
One theory is that the impulses increase the release of dopamine in the brain. The sessions significantly improved their RLS symptoms and improved their sleep. The results lasted for at least two months after the treatment ended With transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS , a device sends small electrical currents to parts of your body to help relieve pain. The idea is that like the Relaxis vibrating pad, it uses counterstimulation.
Acupuncture can be helpful in the treatment of many health conditions, and RLS might be one of them. A study of 38 people with RLS who were treated with acupuncture for six weeks showed that their abnormal leg activity from RLS was greatly reduced For people with certain circulatory issues, surgery could be the most effective treatment for their RLS Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels, often in the legs, that overfill with blood.
As a result, the blood pools in your legs. In a study, 35 people with SVI and RLS had a procedure called endovenous laser ablation to treat their varicose veins. Of the 35 people, 84 percent of them had their RLS symptoms significantly improved or completely eliminated by the surgery Of course, you can try hot and cold treatments on your own, but your doctor can tell you more about the other treatments and whether they might be able to help you.
RLS can cause significant discomfort, sleep issues, and problems with daily functioning, so treatment should be a priority. Your first step should be to try the at-home options on this list. Your doctor can provide more information about each of these treatments and which one — or ones — might be a good choice for you.
Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another, and you may need to try several different drugs or treatments. Keep trying until you find the treatment plan that works for you Simple lifestyle changes, over-the-counter pain relievers, exercise, and other home remedies can go a long way in helping you alleviate your RLS….
Research suggests magnesium deficiencies can contribute to restless leg syndrome RLS. Learn how magnesium supplements may help treat RLS. Three real-life patients share their stories of living with RLS from diagnosis to treatment. If you experience RLS symptoms, light to moderate exercise may help. Here are some exercises and stretches to try. One of the chief complaints of RLS patients is loss of sleep. The average American gets all the iron they need from the food they eat.
Pregnant women and people with certain conditions sometimes need extra iron. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. A person with restless legs syndrome experiences twitchiness and discomfort in the legs, usually after going to bed. As this can lead to insomnia, it is considered a sleep disorder.
Restless legs syndrome RLS may happen because of mental or physical problems, or it may be an adverse effect of some medications. It is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. Restless legs syndrome may be classed as mild or severe, depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms, how well the symptoms can be relieved by moving around, and how much disturbance they cause.
It affects up to 1 in 10 people at some time during their life. The vast majority of cases of RLS resolve on their own over time or once simple lifestyle changes have been made. Symptoms can occur when a person is awake in a confined space , such as an airplane seat or at the cinema. As RLS leads to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, the person may be tired during the day. This can have an impact on learning, work, concentration, and routine tasks and activities.
Lack of sleep can eventually lead to mood swings, irritability, depression , an undermined immune system, and other physical and health problems.
A person with RLS has a strange and unpleasant sensation in the legs, and sometimes the arms, and a strong urge to move them. People have described these feelings as:. The only way to relieve the discomfort is by moving the legs. The sensations tend to occur when the individual is resting or inactive, and not only during the night. Symptoms often worsen in the evening and at night, and may be relieved for a short while in the morning.
Your doctor will want to check for other neurological reasons for your symptoms. Be sure to provide information about any over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements you take. And tell your doctor if you have any known chronic health conditions.
Blood tests will check for iron and other deficiencies or abnormalities. Home remedies, while unlikely to completely eliminate symptoms, may help reduce them. It may take some trial and error to find the remedies that are most helpful. When scheduling things that require prolonged sitting, such as a car or plane trip, try to arrange them for earlier in the day rather than later. If you have an iron or other nutritional deficiency, ask your doctor or nutritionist how to improve your diet.
Talk to your doctor before adding dietary supplements. Learn more about home remedies for restless leg syndrome ». Side effects may include mild lightheadedness and nausea. These medications can become less effective over time. In some people, they can cause daytime sleepiness impulse control disorders, and worsening of RLS symptoms.
Side effects may include dizziness and nausea. You should not use these products if you have sleep apnea. These medicines are powerful and addicting. It may take several attempts before you find the right medication. Your doctor will adjust the medication and dosage as your symptoms change. Learn about over-the-counter medications for restless leg syndrome ».
Children can experience the same tingling and pulling sensations in their legs as adults with RLS. But they may have a hard time describing it. Children with RLS also have an overwhelming urge to move their legs. RLS can interfere with sleep, which can affect every aspect of life.
A child with RLS may seem inattentive, irritable, or fidgety. They may be labeled disruptive or hyperactive. Diagnosing and treating RLS can help address these problems and improve school performance. Any dietary deficiencies must be addressed. Children with RLS should avoid caffeine and develop good bedtime habits.
If necessary, medications that affect dopamine, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Learn more about how children are affected by restless leg syndrome ». Try to cut high-calorie processed foods with little or no nutritional value. Some people with symptoms of RLS are deficient in particular vitamins and minerals.
It all depends on what your test results show. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so you might also want to pair iron-rich foods with these sources of vitamin C:. Caffeine is tricky. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Restless legs syndrome RLS is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Restless legs syndrome. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Nov. Ondo WG. Clinical features and diagnosis of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults.
Silber MH. Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. Garcia-Borreguero D, et al. Sleep Medicine. Winkelman JW, et al. Practice guideline summary: Treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults — Report of the guideline development, dissemination and implementation subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Silber MH, et al. The appropriate use of opioids in the treatment of refractory restless legs syndrome.
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