Restless Legs Syndrome is indeed one of the hot new “conditions” being pitched in TV ads. It’s even got it’s own Foundation. Rest assured (no pun intended). There really are options.
What is RLS?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them for relief. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.
What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
No one really knows what causes restless leg syndrome. It does tend to run in families, however, and may appear as “growing pains” in children or as pregnancy-related “leg cramps.” And it tends to get worse as people get older.
For those with mild to moderate symptoms, many physicians suggest certain lifestyle changes and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Physicians may suggest that certain individuals take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack can help relieve symptoms in some patients.
Physicians also may suggest a variety of medications to treat RLS, including dopaminergics, benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. In 2005, ropinirole became the only drug approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS.
Natural Remedies For RLS
I think the answers are inherent in what we already know, which is more than most people think.
– It responds to dietary and lifestyle changes
– It responds to programs that balance out hormones. (Clue: It frequently puts in an appearance during menopause.)
– It responds to massage and physical therapy
– It responds to detoxification programs
In other words, whatever genetic factors may be involved, lifestyle choices can significantly change the outcome.
The first thing I usually recommend is to take care of the nutritional aspects:
* Folic acid 5,000-20,000 micrograms
* Iron 18 milligrams
* Magnesium 400 milligrams
* Vitamin E (full spectrum)100-400 international units
Try using a natural progesterone creme to balance out any estrogen dominance that may serve as a trigger, and if that doesn’t help, you can try an all natural estriol (the good estrogen) creme in case the trigger is a sudden drop in estrogen.
Try cleaning up your act by doing a series of detoxes:
* Intestinal
* Heavy metal
* Liver/Gallbladder
* Blood
And by all means, employ the physical.
* Infrared saunas that work up a good sweat can be tremendously beneficial.
* Massage and bodywork are defintiely useful.
* And finally, I know someone who had major restless leg syndrome and was unable to get any relief through any nutritional approach. I got them to try a type of massge called BioSync. This is a very deep, very intense type of body work. After just one session, the RLS went away, never to return. The problem is that there are only a handful of BioSync practioners. Mostly California and about 6 or 7 other states — and some international. If you’re not near a BioSync practitioner, you might try and find someone near you who does deep muscle work like Rolfing or Heller work.
My wife suffers from restless leg syndrome, yet when she had stopped taking an SSRI the problem disappeared. When she went back to taking the SNRI the problem reappeared. Her doctor prescribed a medicine for the problem and she took it for a while, then stopped it because it did not offer much relief.
I truly think the cause for RLS is the side effects of these drugs. As usual the drug companies use this to tout another drug.RLS is a manufactured condition not an illness and of course groups and foundations will surface.
Thank you for all you do to help people.
I have had a lot of success treating my my RLS at night with Quinine tablets. However these are no longer available by prescription, except for malaria.
I have also had success with homeopathic tablets that include Quinine, including “”Leg Cramps”” from both NatraBio and Hyland’s. It seems to take affect in about 20 minutes. If not, a second tablet may help.
I have had some, but lesser, success with tonic water.
I am a 58 year old male who has been on dialysis for 18 years now and suffer from RLS Syndrome. I am on 1mg of Mirapix and 1mg of Klonipin daily. However these drugs leave me extremely tired and sleepy plus my whole body is sore and achy. Is there any natural eherbs and or vitamins that can control RLS without these adverse side effects?
Thank you, Larry Towne
Anti-depressant medications increase RLS symptoms. It feels like you need to continuously stretch your joints. I get it in my legs, and a wierd “bubbling” sensation in my wrists where I have to keep moving and stretching my wrists. It feels like little pockets of air bubbles going through the wrists.
Dear Larry Towne,
I have RLS for more than 50 years, tried every medicine my doctor prescribed. I would rather chose the discomfort of RLS than the side effect of these medication.
My RLS problems have been solved after receiving True light treatment at the SUKYO MAHIKARI CENTRE. The 45mins session is given free my the members of the centre. No drug. Its like going to a spa of light.
No expanses incurred except your effort to go to these centre. Give them a call. There may be a centre located near where you are staying.
Poodlesamy
Hi Larry and everyone looking
Hi Larry and everyone looking for a natural solution to RLS. I’m not sure what triggers it in me cos I don’t get it every night but when I do I take a few drops / squirts of scullcap tincture in water. I get mine from Neils Yard but it’s available in Health Food Shops. The relief is almost immediate – it’s quite amazing for me… hope it helps others too.
RLS is sometimes associated
RLS is sometimes associated with IBS &/or SIBO–Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Google Restless Leg and SIBO and you’ll see. If you bloat after meals or have diarrhea, chances are you have SIBO. I have used a combination of Oil of Oregano and Goldenseal (active ingredient berberine) three times per day for a month to address the SIBO and that often helps the RLS.
I prevent restless legs by
I prevent restless legs by taking magnesium malate with supper, and drinking a cup of rooibos tea with or after supper. I’ve heard that rooibos tea helps the body absorb magnesium.
I have had RLS for 35 years
I have had RLS for 35 years and tried everything from Ben-Gay, Quinine, Restless Legs, bananas, potassium, an aspirin a day, standing with my toes on a phone book, (I know), legs elevated…..and now I drink one or two swallows of Dill Pickle juice. It works immediately. I know this may not be for many, but it works for me and I just wanted to share it.