Healthy Status Always » Restless Leg Syndrome

Treatment For Restless Legs Syndrome (2)

hosnee — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:06:36 +0000

While there are various treatments for restless legs syndrome there is no cure for it. The treatments help to reduce the severity of the symptoms and give the individual the ability to relax and to help distract from the uncomfortable sensations associated with the condition.

The doctor who is treating the individual with restless legs syndrome will design a treatment plan that is based on the age of the patient, the abilities of the patient to participate in various treatments and the severity of the symptoms. The treatment plan will typically include lifestyle suggestions, relaxation techniques, medications and supplements, physical therapy, and self-help methods.

Lifestyle changes that may be suggested to help alleviate the symptoms will be to:

* Avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine

* Stop drinking alcohol if alcohol is presently being consumed

* Avoid nicotine products

* Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine are known to increase the severity of RLS symptoms.

It is also important to review the list of all of your medications with your doctor; included should be a list of any supplements that you are taking, any over-the-counter medications (antihistamines, sleeping aids, pain relievers etc.), and any street drugs (recreation drugs) you may be taking. It is important to know all the medications that you are taking as some may aggravate RLS symptoms.

Your doctor needs to be informed of all other medical conditions that you have including allergies, diabetes, cardiac disease, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid problems, varicose veins etc., Some of these conditions may affect symptoms of RLS.

If blood tests show that you have any deficiencies, you may be given prescriptions for vitamins or minerals. It has been shown that for some individuals with RLS, lifestyle changes and supplements are all they need in order to feel a marked reduction in RLS symptoms.

Dietary needs will be discussed with your doctor or you may be given a referral to a nutritionist who can help you to plan nutritious meals that will give your body the fuel it needs to be healthy and increase your energy level.

A daily exercise program of moderation will be discussed. ***It is important that individuals with RLS not exercise excessively***. You may be recommended for physical therapy and self-care treatments.

Self-care methods may include:

* Stretching exercises

* Cold or hot baths

* Whirlpool baths

* Apply hot or cold packs to the limbs that are affected by RLS symptoms.

* Limb massage may be helpful and you will be instructed on how to do massage on yourself.

* Vibratory or electrical stimulation may also be part of your treatment plan, which will be applied, to your feet and toes before you go to bed.

* There are various relaxation exercises that will be taught so that you can use them when you are sitting for any length of time.

There are some common medications that are usually prescribed for RLS symptom relief they include:

* Dopaminergic agents (Sinemet)

* Dopamine agonists (Permax, Parlodel, Mirapex, and Requip)

* Benzodiazepines (Restoril, Xanax, Klonopin), Opiates (Darvon, Vicodin), which are very addictive are also sometimes used, but only if other medications do not work

* Anticonvulsants (Neurontin), and also alpha2 agonists (Catapres)

Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome vary with each patient because the severity of symptoms and even the symptoms themselves can vary. The treatment plan will also change over time as the symptoms worsen, new methods are discovered, or new medications are approved.

Diagnosing And Treating Restless Leg Syndrome

hosnee — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:57:36 +0000

Physicians diagnosis Restless legs Syndrome by conducting a detailed patient medical and symptom history, by doing a thorough medical and neurological examination and by using an assessment scale that helps to diagnosis and grade the severity of the condition.

The physician will be looking for the following indicator of the condition:

An intense desire to move limbs at rest
Extreme motor restlessness

A definitive worsening of symptoms when lying down or when sitting that are at least in part reduced by activity.

Symptoms become worse in the evening hours and overnight.

The physician may also consider sleep patterns and may ask the patient to participate in a sleep study. During the sleep study any involuntary limb movement will be monitored.

Since most cases of RLS are idiopathic there should be an absence of neurological findings; unless there are underlying conditions such as diabetes, or peripheral neuropathy.

The physician will look for a history of familial RLS

A history of worsening of symptoms with age (if condition onset was earlier than the visit to the physician)

The physician may order laboratory tests to check ferritin levels, which is a test that measures iron storage.

Treatment for restless legs syndrome involves a combination of lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques and medications. Treatments are individualized to the patient based on severity of the symptoms. Treatment is aimed at improving the activities of daily living, reducing any sleep deprivation, and reducing symptoms while lying down or sitting. The first step in treatment focuses on lifestyle changes that will improve the health and sleep patterns of the patient and include the patient learning relaxation techniques to use while sitting or resting. Lifestyle changes may include the elimination of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol from the patient’s daily routine and to help the patient improve the dietary habits and exercise habits that they follow daily.

Patients have also found that when they have regular sleep habits their symptoms are eased. It is important for patients to have a regular bedtime and bedtime routine that is relaxing. The sleeping environment should be quiet, and the temperature comfortable.

It is best to not exercise at least 6 hours prior to bedtime. It is also helpful to take a warm bath and perhaps have a massage prior to lying down to sleep.

It is equally important that if RLS symptoms are experienced while sitting for long periods of time that the patient learn how to occupy the mind during these times by bending, rocking, stretching, massaging, or jiggling the limb that is affected by the symptoms. Relaxation techniques come in hand during these times as well.

Medications may be prescribed for RLS patients if lifestyle changes alone are not satisfactory. Medications that may be prescribed include anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines – which are central nervous system depressants, dopaminergics, and also opioids. Ropinirole, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005, specifically for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of restless legs syndrome is the drug of choice.

Patients have found that anti-nausea medications, neuroleptic medications, and antidepressants also have an undesired affect on their RLS symptoms and should be avoided if possible with a doctor’s knowledge.

Treatment Options Available For Restless Legs Syndrome

hosnee — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:23:36 +0000

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

The usual treatment (conventional) for Restless legs syndrome (RLS) includes lifestyle improvements, self-help techniques and relaxation techniques. When these are not enough to relieve the symptoms of RLS then medications are often the next step.

The first class of medications that doctor’s treating RLS turn to is the Primary Class of RLS medications.

This primary class includes:

Sedative/hypnotic medication – Benzodiazepines and related drugs

Benzodiazepines sedatives (Restoril, Dalmane, Doral, Prosom, Xanax, Valium, Klonopin/Rivotril, Ativan, Serax)

Non-Benzodiazepines Sedatives (Ambien, Sonata, Imovane, Lunesta)

Drugs that are used to treat Parkinson’s Disease – Dopaminergic Drugs (Sinemet, Pariodel, Eldepryl/Deprenyl, Mirapex, Requip, Dostinex, Tasmar, Comtan, Symmetrel, the Neupro patch

Analgesic (pain killers) Medications – Opiates/Narcotics that are habit forming (addictive)

Anti-Seizure Medications (Neurontin, Tegretol, Depakene, Mysoline, Keppra, Gabitril, Topamax, Lyrica)

There is secondary class of RLS medications that physicians can turn to if relief is not found using the primary class of RLS medications.

There are recreational medication like Marijuana, and other new experimental mediations like Botox.

Then there are the other RLS/PLMD treatments or therapies that will only work for some RLS patients but not all of them. This includes iron therapy, Folic Acid supplement, Vitamin B12, and also Magnesium.

Patients who have both RLS and varicose veins may benefit from receiving surgical treatment such as sclerotherapy of varicose veins.

Non-drug treatment for RLS consists of neuromuscular stimulation, mental activity such as doing mathematical calculation, crossword puzzles, and other mental games that allow the patient to take their mind off of the sensations in their limbs.

Physical measures/activity (stretching exercises, leg wrapping, foot tickling)

Other non-conventional treatments for RLS may not work for everyone who tries them and are not included in standard treatment because they have not been accepted by scientific method. These treatments have not undergone any of the rigorous clinical trials or statistical analysis that the conventional treatments have undergone. The non-conventional treatments should be discussed with a physician familiar with RLS before the patient pursues them.

The non-conventional treatments for RLS include:

* Enzyme Therapy

* Colloidal vitamins/supplements therapy

* Calcium Therapy

* St. John’s Wort

* Urine Therapy

* Water Therapy

* Brewers Yeast Therapy

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of RLS, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered such as:

* Avoid foods grown with Pesticides (eating organically grown foods)

* Avoid sugar

* Avoid Mono and Diglycerides

* Consider Herbal Therapy

* Hydergine, DPLA, and Kava kava

* Reflexology

* Vegetable oil massage therapy

* Enermed pulsed electromagnetic field generator

* Foot Zoning as part of reflexology

* Wearing devices on your feet called Cramp Busters

There are also many drugs and foods that have been shown to be useful to AVOID when trying to relieve symptoms of RLS, they include:

* Ice Cream

* Caffeine (food and beverage)

* Antihistamines

* Antidepressants

* Antinausea medications

* Cough Syrups

* Antipsychotic Medications

* Bladder Control Drugs

* Alcohol

If you have been prescribed any medications for depression, bladder infections, psychotic episodes or any other medical condition in which these drugs to be avoided are being prescribed for you, please discuss possible RLS adverse effects. Do not take yourself off any medications that have been prescribed for you without a doctor’s advise to do so.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome

hosnee — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:23:36 +0000

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that leaves your legs with the urge to move. There are 4 criteria that you must meet in order to be diagnosed with restless leg syndrome. The four criteria are:

You experience strong urges to move your legs that you are unable to resist. You feel uncomfortable sensations in your legs that accompany the urges to move your legs. These sensations feel like creepy-crawly, a tugging or gnawing feeling in your legs.

The symptoms either start or become worse when you are resting your legs. The longer your legs are at rest the more severe the symptoms get.

When you move your legs the symptoms get better. As long as you are moving your legs the symptoms are relieved, when you rest your legs, the symptoms return.

The RLS symptoms worsen at night when you are lying on your bed, especially when you try to sleep.

The sensations disturb your sleep so that it is difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep because of the sensations in your legs. RLS can lead to sleep deprivation that can have disastrous consequences for you at work, school or at home. The lack of sleep can affect your health, your relationships and your ability to function.

Individuals who have RSL may also have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). PLMS are jerks that happen every 20 or 30 seconds periodically during your sleep.

Besides taking prescribed medications for RLS, someone who has RLS can also do the following to help with their symptoms:

Ask the doctor to check to see if there are any underlying deficiencies in iron, vitamins or minerals. Ask your doctor if any of the other medications you are taking may in fact be making your RLS symptoms worse. Drugs that may interact with RLS are high blood pressure medications, cardiac meds, nausea, cold or allergy medications and also medications prescribed for depression. It is also important that if you are taking any herbal or other over-the-counter medications that they are not making your RLS symptoms worse – your pharmacist or doctor should be able to answer you regarding this.

Examine your diet to be sure it is healthy and well balanced as getting good nutrition is vital to a healthy, well-working body.

Eliminate any alcohol intake you may presently consume.

Activities that may help your to relax at night include:

Taking a walk

Stretching

Taking a relaxing hot bath

Massaging your legs

Acupressure or other relaxation techniques

If you experience symptoms while seated try keeping your mind occupied with discussions, craftwork, video games or reading.

Explore good sleeping habits to help you fall asleep

Eliminate caffeine from your diet (beverages and food items)

RLS is not limited to just your legs, RLS symptoms can occur in your arms and also in the trunk of your body.

Although RLS symptoms are commonly found in middle-aged individuals, it can be diagnosed in individuals of any age including kids.

A doctor diagnoses RLS by first listening to your complaints so that there is a working list of your symptoms.

A diagnostic interview will be conducted that will give the doctor clues and more information about when and how the symptoms occur.

The doctor will review your medical history and do a thorough physical examination.

The doctor may have to do tests to rule out other conditions before diagnosing you with RLS.

Tests that may be performed are:

Blood ferritin (iron) levels

Sleep lab study

There are no exact tests to determine RLS.

RLS often appears in other family members, which suggests it could be hereditary. Researches found a gene variant in a study conducted in July of 2007.

Relief Naturally

hosnee — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:36 +0000

Sleepless nights, insomnia, fatigue, discomfort these are just the beginning of the symptoms known to Restless Leg Syndrome. While doctors are often the best course of action when lifestyle changes do not offer relief, others will look to natural ways to relieve their symptoms. Prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter brands can cause side-effects often more uncomfortable than the original symptoms, tend to be addictive and/or in rare occasions can complicate or add to current health issues. With this information it is no wonder many will seek other forms of relief.

LegCalm is one natural approach used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement (PLM). Based on herbs used in Chinese medicine for many years, Astragalus is used to provide balance and increase function of the body’s organs. Astragalus is also known to boost circulation and help the body absorb iron – an essential vitamin that is thought to be a cause of RLS when the levels are decreased.

Europe, like China has a treatment known well to offer relief from RLS symptoms. Butcher’s Broom, also known as Ruscus Acluteatus, can improve circulation, as well as relive the pain and discomfort of RLS and may help with many other circulation disorders you may have.

Other natural treatments include Horse Chestnut, which is used to improve blood circulation in the body. By improving circulation, PLM and RLS symptoms can be relieved and comfort restored. Zinc, another remedy, can help improve the immune system. When used in relation to RLS, it will aid in the absorption of minerals in the body, like iron and folate eliminating the chance of deficiencies. Like Zinc, Magnesium Phosphate is a well known remedy in general. Magnesium Phosphate will maintain the level of Magnesium in the body, as a lack of this chemical is found to be a cause of RLS. It is also known to be helpful in the relief of spasms, muscle contractions and involuntary twitching.

Beyond medications and natural remedies, those with mild RLS symptoms may find that prevention, or lifestyle changes, may bring relief or even eliminate symptoms altogether. Limiting the intake of caffeine, alcohol and cutting back or quitting smoking altogether can offer relief. A key to improved sleep is to maintain a regular sleep cycle, making night time less stressful, as your body will know it is time to rest. When it comes to exercise, it is recommended to maintain a regular exercise program, such as going for a walk at lunch time or after dinner can relax the body and help with sleep, however, overdoing it with too much exercise can actually have the opposite effect and increase RLS symptoms. To help you relax, especially before bedtime, when symptoms seem to be at their worst, soaking in a hot bath, having a gentle massage as well as using a heating pad or ice pack – depending on your comfort level, will help relieve symptoms. Even with all this, relief is possible, but will not take away symptoms all together.

Restless Legs Syndrome At A Glance

hosnee — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:28:36 +0000

The individual with restless legs syndrome is plagued by uncomfortable sensations in the limbs and sometimes the trunk of the body. These symptoms worsen during the evening or at night while the person is trying to sleep. This individual often suffers from insomnia because of the condition and often times are unable to function at work or school because of lack of sleep.

There may be other conditions that are associated with the occurrence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) such as pregnancy, diabetes, and obesity, being a smoker, having an iron deficiency or anemia. Those with nerve disease, polyneuropathy, or suffer from metal toxicity and other toxins or have kidney failure may also suffer from RLS symptoms.

Sometimes other conditions mimic RLS such muscle diseases, joint problems, nerve issues and circulation problems.

Everyone who has RLS will have a treatment plan that is tailored for their age, and the severity of their symptoms so their plan will be different from someone else’s who has RLS. Any associated condition will have to be treated too to make a difference in the symptoms. Lifestyle improvements and relaxation exercises are sometimes all that is needed in order to see a marked improvement in symptoms. Sometimes just quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol as well as learning how to relax when symptoms are noticed is all that it takes to get some much needed relief.

Medications are given only after other treatments fail to give a measure of relief to the patient. This is because some medications especially opioids like propoxyphene or tramadol can be habit forming. Requip is a medication that has been approved by the FDA.

Self-help treatments include: warm/cold baths, electric nerve stimulation, acupuncture and oral magnesium.

Exercise is important as long as it is not done to excessively. Your doctor or physical therapist will help you to learn what exercises will be the most beneficial for you to learn. You may also want to learn some mental exercises to do during times when you must sit for any length of time. Keeping your mind off of the RLS symptoms can be accomplished when you learn these mental activities.

Support groups can be found locally that will help you to find a doctor, or to find more information about lifestyle changes, or relaxation techniques that work for others with RLS. Support groups are not only great for information sharing but also for companionship and a place to be with others who really understand what you are going through on a daily basis.

There are study groups, surveys and research being done by organizations and universities all over the world. Who knows when the next big break may be and there will be new techniques or medications that will bring relief to those who suffer from restless legs syndrome.

Hopefully you have learned some valuable information at a glance that will come in handy for you or someone you know who suffers from RLS and can take something found here and make a difference in their life or someone else’s life.

Facts About Restless Legs Syndrome That May Surprise You

hosnee — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:12:36 +0000

Did you know that there is no cure for restless legs syndrome and that there is no known cause yet? What is known is that the condition has been associated with other underlying conditions such as pregnancy, obesity, smoking, having an iron deficiency and also anemia. It can also be associated with individuals who have nerve disease, polyneuropathy, having a heavy metal toxicity or other toxins in your body, having a hormonal disease such as diabetes, or kidney failure when it is associated with a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Certain medications can increase the severity of symptoms for RLS including the taking of caffeinated products and drinking alcohol. H2-histamine blockers such as the medication Zantac and Tagamet as well as taking antidepressants such as Elavil can contribute to the severity of symptoms of RLS.

There may be a heredity factor with RLS as recent studies have shown that a common genetic factor. Other studies have shown that RLS symptoms do increase with age.

RLS is often misdiagnosed as muscle diseases, joint diseases, nerve problems or circulation problems. It is important to have a doctor that is familiar with RLS to make the diagnosis for you.

Treatments vary with the age and severity of the symptoms of RLS. There is usually a combination of lifestyle improvements, physical therapy, self-help methods and relaxation techniques that are tried first before going the medication route.

Any of this information a surprise to you yet?

The treatment may have to address any underlying conditions first before focusing on the RLS symptoms as getting any other conditions under control may have an impact on the RLS symptoms.

Sometimes the best way to reduce symptoms of RLS is to eliminate caffeine, alcohol and tobacco from the individual’s system. Next, it is important to get daily exercise without going to extremes.

If lifestyle changes and self-help methods as well as relaxation techniques have not relieved the symptoms; medications may then be introduced to the treatment plan.

Medications commonly prescribed for RLS are:

carbidopa-levodopa, opioids, bromocriptine, clonidine, gabapentin, and the newly approved Requip.

Non-conventional treatments such as acupuncture, warm/cold baths, elecric nerve stimulation, oral magnesium, and massage have all shown to be helpful to some patients.

RLS sufferers have unpleasant sensations to deal with while sitting or while sleeping and often have involuntary limb movement.

Insomnia is a common bedfellow for the RLS patient

There is hope to find relief from the symptoms that plague the RLS patient.

Treatment often changes over time because the condition worsens with age.

RLS runs in families so it is common to find siblings that have RLS in common.

There are RLS groups that patients can join locally so that they can have a source of support and a place to share information.

There is hope for those who suffer from the condition known as restless legs syndrome.

By the way, did you know that RLS is not limited to the legs? An individual can have symptoms of RLS in any limb as well as in the trunk of the body.

Hope you learned some facts that you did not know before reading this article. Perhaps you have found some useful information to share with someone who can benefit from it.

Chinese Medicine And Relief

hosnee — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:26:36 +0000

Chinese medicine sees disorder such Restless Leg Syndrome as a pattern of symptoms and is common in traditional Chinese medicines. The belief is that the excessive movement of the legs is directly related to internal conditions, such as live blood deficiency. It is believed that because the symptoms occur mostly at night and interferes with sleep, the “weiqi” that circulates in the body does not return completely to the interior of the body at night – what is thought to be caused by a fluid deficiency.

Armed with this information, Chinese medical treatments will revolve around increasing deficiencies in the body as well as ensuring proper blood circulation. Herbs would be the first treatment given, a welcome remedy for those who prefer non-medicinal treatments, would focus on the liver and kidney with herbs called Rehmanna and Corrus, to add nourishment and help vitalize the blood, while directing blood to the lower body. These deficiencies can also be treated by eating meat, primarily a meat-like liver that is high in iron and folate.

A major part of Chinese medicine is the use of herbs. For instance, tang-kuei and peony are used for nourishing the blood of the liver and heart, the herbs Millettia and Achyranthes are similar as they will also nourish the blood, but also vitalize it while drawing the blood to the lower part of the body. Focusing on the discomfort in the legs, a major symptom of RLS, Chaenomeles is used to calm these symptoms. Included in this treatment would be the herbs peony and licorice, known to also calm the involuntary movements in the legs.

While traditional Chinese medicine is important in treating many symptoms and disorders, the practice is not based on any modern beliefs, such as physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy. Though the remedies focus on improving circulation and blood deficiencies, the medical practice is actually not based on any type of cell chemistry, circulation knowledge or nerve function. Instead the focus is on deficiency in the body that is treated with herbs and diet.

To bring greater acceptance to the practice of Chinese medical treatments, some studies have been done in reference to RLS. In two separate studies, patients with RLS were provided with a combination of herbs that included Peony and Licorice. Known for their help in circulation, when combined with Achyranthes, salvia and Pueraria the compound will vitalize the circulation in the body, along with calming involuntary leg movements. The herb Pueraria has only been used in the last 30 years as a blood vitalizer.

More modern writings have come to offer support the practices of Chinese medicine, particularly in reference to RLS, as there does seem to be a connection in the relation of RLS and metabolism of the brain, which the Chinese believe to a sign of kidney deficiency, also included in this relationship is heart deficiency thought to influence the brain activities; bringing the idea full circle and seemingly supporting Chinese beliefs and practices.

Cardiovascular And Rls

hosnee — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 08:14:36 +0000

Increased cardiovascular disease, when talked about in reference to restless leg syndrome, has been seen to be a common factor among the elderly in particular. A Canadian study monitored 10 patients with RLS and/or Periodic Leg Movement (PLM) that were until then untreated for their symptoms. Each person spent the night in a sleep laboratory where their blood pressure was monitored for any changes that may occur. Before being added to the study, is was noted that none of the volunteers suffered any type of heart disease, hypertension or taking blood pressure medications. It is reported that during RLS, blood pressures were seen to raise an average of 20 point for systolic readings and 11 points for diastolic readings. Focus is now being put on the effects of RLS, as other sleep disorders shown similar results – leading to a theory that sleeplessness plays a major role in how our body works, particularly the heart.

The continuous rise and fall in blood pressure that occur during RLS or Periodic Leg Movement (PLM) can be harmful and increase the chances for developing cardiovascular disease, especially in the elderly, who seem to be those who are most vulnerable, especially if there is an existing condition involving the heart, in addition, the changes caused by any drastic surges in a persons blood pressure, especially at night, may also be related to the higher rate of strokes.

What is important after this study is treatment and how these patients may be helped in the future to relieve not only their RLS symptoms, but prevent any new or additional damage to the heart. Doctors are the most important link when looking for treatment, so sharing with them any conditions, when talking with them about RLS is vital. With this information they may be able to relieve the RLS symptoms along with maintaining a safe blood pressure.

An unfortunate issue in the treatment of RLS and it’s affects on the heart is the realization that many doctors do not see RLS as a serious health risk, in particular cardiologists. The symptoms are often seen as a mere case of discomfort, but as studies are being done and those with the disorder begin to speak out, all doctors will need to begin the process of listening to their patients when the talk about RLS or PLM and how it is affecting their lives. Without knowledge, patients may not seek medical attention; in turn leave themselves open to further complications due to their RLS, including heart attack and stroke. These issues become even more risky when faced by a person who may also suffer from a vascular or heart disease, however, tests have shown that those with healthy system may face cardiovascular issues due to the rise and fall of their blood pressure during RLS or PLM episodes. From the results of these tests and reports it is hoped for a further understanding on what medications may be helpful in treating RLS and lessen the effect of possibly worsening cardiovascular disease, or for some have become an issue they have not faced before.

Treatment For Restless Legs Syndrome

hosnee — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:46:36 +0000