Restless Leg Syndrome
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS, also known as Wittmaack-Ekbom's Syndrome, is characterized by disturbing sensations in the legs, which cause trouble while you are trying to rest, fall to sleep or stay asleep because of leg or foot disturbances. There is the compelling urge to move the legs in order to get a tingling, crawling, pins and needles, prickling or pulling feeling to go away. Only moving offers temporary relief. During sleep the legs may jerk, kick or bicycle your legs. These are called periodic limb movements, which is usually considered a different disorder, but is common in those with RLS.
This makes it makes it difficult for one to fall asleep, stay asleep, or to get enough rest. Because of this you feel more tired and tend to lose concentration and focus during the day.
RLS is often linked to autoimmune disorders, such as RSD (see below). It is often genetic. Women, during pregnancy, sometimes get restless leg. It disappears once the child is born.
The Myelin Sheath
A coating called protects neurons (nerves) and is quite like the plastic coating found on electrical wires. This coating prevents signal interference in the nervous system and is made mostly out of fats (lipids). If these lipids are not formed right, the sheath is of no use. It is defected and can get cracks and holes in it. Certain foods and supplements can help repair the myelin sheath and prevent the pain and discomfort associated with restless leg and peripheral neuropathy.
Possible Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
In RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), the skin, muscle and bones near the area of nerve damage begin to show signs of discoloration, hair loss and extreme sensitivity. RSD is an autoimmune disorder that is sometimes associated with Restless Leg Syndrome.
RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) may, or may not, be associated with Fibromyalgia.
RLS may also be the result of blood circulation problems (PAD) in the lower back and/or legs.
Other issues related to RSD, but not always, are nerve damage, rhuematoid arthritis, diabetes, anemia (in which case, iron supplementation will help to alleviate it), kidney disease or failure with dialysis, and Parkinson's disease, spinal disk problems, consumption of Aspartame, stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, etc.), drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational), Thyroid Disorder, Zinc or Folate deficiency (but not necessarily), PLMD ( Periodic Limb Movement Disorder), alcohol abuse, Chemotherapy (a side effect of) and Adrenal Burnout.
Prolonged stress may aggravate RLS and also be the cause of RLS.
Attention Deficit Disorder has also been associated with RLS.
Spiritual/Psychological causes of Restless Leg Syndrome:
Associated Chakra(s): 1st Chakra
Associated Energy Meridian(s): Spleen and Urinary/Bladder Meridians
All-Natural Therapies for RLS
Keep your bedroom temperature cool, dark and quiet. Make it your cave with no distractions, which means no TV!
Daily moderate exercise, such a s walking, and stretching can help to calm the restlessness you feel in your legs. Visit the TCL Exercise for HSPs web page to discover how to exercise without causing additional pain or stress.
Apply ice packs or a heating pad. See if one works better than the other for you.
Take a warm bath, for at least 20 minutes, before bedtime.
Do not sit in positions that cause excess tension and aggravate your legs, such as positions where your legs are dangling, or crossed with one leg over the other. Try to sit so that circulation is not impaired, or at least balanced in both legs, without one leg taking the rap for the other.
Chiropractic, acupuncture and massage may also help. Self-massage can work just as well as professional in this case.
Watch your blood sugar. RSD may be related to Diabetes or Hypoglycemia.
Are you anemic? Iron supplements can help. Do not take iron if you are post-menopausal unless you have doctor permission.
Avoid aspartame and other fake sweeteners.
Reduce or avoid stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, chocolate, drugs, etc.)
It is important to eat a diet that is as healthy as possible so the body can adequately deal with stress and repair itself.
Supplements for Restless Leg Syndrome
Folic Acid and Vitamins B6, B1 and B12 are important for healthy nerve function, as well as amino acids. Folic Acid deficiency has been linked to RLS during pregancy.
The herb, Baikal Skull Cap may help.
Taking 1000 mg of Calcium with 250 mg of Magnesium (see below) an hour or two before bedtime may help you to relax.
Low Magnesium levels have been linked to RLS. Low Magnesium is also linked to Fibromyalgia, which is a syndrome that often overlaps with RLS. Make sure you are getting 500-1000 mg of Magnesium each day. This may also eliminate muscle jerks and twitches if you have had them.
Vitamin E may help to relieve symptoms.
Make sure you are not deficient in Zinc.
What Doctors Are Doing
Your doctor can order blood tests that will rule out other conditions, order a polysomnography test, which records leg movement while you are sleeping, and can prescribe medication when necessary.
There are 3 classes of medications for RLS.
Dopaminergic Drugs (approved by the FDA), Pramipexole and Ropinirole, which reduce sensory symptoms and the urge to move. These drugs cause augmentation in one-third to one-half of all patients, meaning the symptoms of RLS begin to appear earlier in the day when used over a long-term period.
Antiseizure medications, such as Gabapentin and Pregabalin (not approved by the FDA for RLS, but for nerve pain), which appear to be effective in reducing or eliminating RLS.
Opiates (narcotic pain medication), used in low doses, are extremely effective to relieve RLS and improve sleep. There does not seem to be much evidence of abuse of these medications by the patients using them.
There is no single drug that works for everyone. Sometimes a medication may work for a couple of months and then not. Discover which medication or combination of medications will work the best for you can be a long process. Also, determining the best time to take it can also be a challenge. However, by working with your doctor and discussing your regimen and results, your RLS can be treated.
For more information about RLS, visit the RLS Foundation.
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
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