Simple lifestyle changes can help you alleviate symptoms of RLS
| Health tips: Restless leg syndrome | | | Dear Reader,
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you’re still. People typically describe the unpleasant sensation as crawling, tingling, electric, itchy or aching. When this occurs, you struggle with uncontrollable urges to move around.
The condition can begin at any age and generally worsens as you get older. Women are more likely than men to develop it. RLS can disrupt sleep — leading to daytime drowsiness — and makes traveling very difficult. | | Characteristic features of RLS include: Symptoms start after you’ve been sitting or lying down for an extended period of time. Movement relieves symptoms — at least temporarily. Symptoms typically worsen in the evening. There’s an association with a condition called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), which causes you to involuntarily flex and extend your legs while sleeping. Home remedies Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may relieve mild symptoms. Try baths and massages to relax your muscles. Apply warm or cool packs, or alternating use of the two, may lessen the sensations in your limbs. Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga. Establish good sleep habits. Fatigue tends to worsen symptoms of RLS. Create a cool, quiet and comfortable sleeping environment, going to bed at the same time, rising at the same time, and getting enough sleep to feel well-rested. Exercise. Moderate, regular exercise may relieve symptoms of RLS, but overdoing it at the gym may intensify symptoms. Avoid caffeine. Sometimes cutting back on caffeine-containing products may help relieve your symptoms. Cut back on alcohol and tobacco. These substances may aggravate or trigger symptoms. Medical help Some people with RLS never seek medical attention because they worry that their symptoms are too difficult to describe or won’t be taken seriously. However, if you think you may have RLS or if the home remedies don’t improve your symptoms, see your doctor. |
|
|
|
Want to learn more?
| | A practical guide for treating more than 100 of today's most common concerns, ranging from allergies to asthma to sore throat and stomach flu. | | Get this resource |
|
|
|
|
