Restless Legs Syndrome (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Restless Legs Syndrome Overview
- Restless Legs Syndrome Causes
- Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Restless Leg Syndrome - Describe Your Experience
Medical Treatment
The first principle of therapy to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) is to avoid substances or foods that may be causing or worsening the problem. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine may partly relieve your symptoms. Your health care provider should review your medications and determine whether any drug you are taking could be causing the problem.
Any underlying medical conditions,
such as anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid
disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson disease, should be treated. Dietary supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiency may be recommended. In some cases, these treatments relieve RLS symptoms.
You may benefit from physical therapy, such
as stretching, hot or cold baths, whirlpool baths, hot or cold packs, limb massage, or vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes before bedtime. Exercise and relaxation techniques also may be helpful.
Next: Medications »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Restless Leg Syndrome - Describe Your Experience
Please describe your experience with restless leg syndrome.
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Restless Legs Syndrome »
The term restless legs syndrome (RLS) was used initially in the mid-1940s by Swedish neurologist Karl A. Ekbom to describe a disorder characterized by sensory symptoms and motor disturbances of the limbs, mainly during rest.
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