i was diagnosed with restless leg syndrome a few years ago by a doing a sleep study. since then i have taken mirapex, klonopin, and most recently requip. right now i am on the 1mg strength at bedtime. it seems to be helping me with sleeping but lately (within the past few weeks) the problems are starting to occur alot during the late morning and early afternoon hours, making it uncomfortable to sit and relax. i feel like i have to bang my heels on the floor, or twirl my feet at the ankles, or just get up and move around. i just thought if there was anyone else out there who may be going through the same problems, maybe i could get some good advice...without having to call the doctor. any home remedies or herbal supplements? whatever, i'll try it.
i appreciate any advice given. thanks so much!!
Go to a 'good' healthfood store or vitamin store with employees who know what they are talking about and discuss with them. My girldfriend even regularly visits GNC at the mall and receives EXCELLENT advice/suggestions that usually work (even for her RLS).
My mother has this problem. When she can't sleep because of it she will lay on the couch with her feet propped up on the arm and she says the incline position often helps her legs feel better. She also has a foot masseger that she uses regularly and she says that this also helps. I don't know if either of these ideas would help you but they are non-medication and non-supplement options to try. I hope you find something that helps.
Dear Stepanie,
Have your doctor prescribe .5 mg tablets of Requip taken one tablet every three hours while you are awake. If you find you still need 1 mg at night, skip one tablet closest to bedtime so it will be six hours between and take two tablets at bedtime. Combine this with B Complex 50 mg - one a day. Also, have your doctor test you for Vitamin D deficiency. Make sure you take 1500 mg of Calcium per day. Also, have your doctor test you for diabetes. I find that when my sugar is not under good control, I get all buggy.
Good luck, M.
hi S.,
you'll hear potassium supplements or eating a banana, magnesium supplements (potassium won't work unless you have enough magnesium), calcium supplements or drinking milk, all of the above.
a lot of time plain dehydration will also exacerbate the symptom of RLS, so make sure you're getting enough water.
if the medicines aren't helping, you might want to consider acupuncture and/or chiropractic care. manipulation of your spine/hips might help - that' what does the trick for me.
cheers, and good luck
Gold Bond Medicated Powder, rub into leg muscles before sleep!
Have you tried taking a mineral supplement with Magnesium? Google, magnesium and restless leg syndrome. Good luck.
Hi S.,
I too suffer from restless legs, I tried all the meds the doctor put me on. I found what helped me the most was tylenol/pm. You should check with your pharmacy doctor or family doctor and see if its ok to try this with your other meds. I'm now off all rx meds and only take this at bedtime and my legs feel much better.
S.,
I had the same condition after my son was born. Mine was due to low iron. I would have your doctor check to see if you're anemic. I just ended up taking liver pills for the anemia and I haven't had a problem since.
Best wishes!
M.
I get this off and on and had it really bad when pregnant..now the only thing that helps is believe it or not if i walk reg....or soak in epson salts
Hi S.,
I don't have any specific experience with RLS and I know this is going to sound wacky--it's O. of those old wives tale remedies--but it's cheap and maybe might work. Unwrap a new bar of soap (any brand will do) and put it inside the sheets at the foot of your bed. Might be worth a try! Good luck!
talk to the doctor is best. Could be hormonal, could need stronger meds.
I understand completely! I use an essential oil from natureswellnessoils.com called restless legs. It has really helped me. I put it on my hips and lower back before bed, and I haven't had any problems!
HTH,
B.
Have you tried exercise ? I don't have the syndrome, but I have had nights when my legs are extremely restless. I find that by doing lots of different stretches, the muscles relax and I can rest better.
Given my preference for natural cures, I would be inclined to try that. If that doesn't work, I'd stretch, then jump rope for a while, and then stretch again, so your muscles have used up any extra energy, and also are relaxed by bedtime.
Hi S.. I know a few people who suffer from this. Take 2 doses of calcium before bedtime. Calcium helps calm the nerves. Also RLS may be a sign of lack of potassium and magnesium. Isotonix calcium is the best because it has all 3 and since it is isotonic..your body will absorb it right away. You can find it at www.healthmadesimple.net . Click on Isotonix and move down til you see Calcium Plus. Hope this helps.
I have the same experience when I don't get enough exercise. When my legs are tired, they settle down, but if I have sat around most of the day, taking it easy, they will "dance" for at least an hour or so before I can fall asleep. Try walking in the evening. Congrats on 5 children!!! You are so brave!
I know someone who had great success with RLS with acupuncture, homeopathic treatment, and massage. As you've seen, there is no one 'magic bullet' - even medications. Meds don't treat the causes, just the symptoms. Good luck!
Hi S.,
Have also have restless legs and took many years to be diagnosed. I was not able to take mirapex or any restless legs medicine I was put on colazapen it is for seizure patients and does seem to help except right before my period which I take two tablets. I also just seen a accupunture dr. and I was so sure they could not help, it did I have not taken any medication for a week now, I have about 4 treatments cost approx 60.00 each time and then I will only go approx twice a year. I am 49 years old and the restless legs started when I was pregnant with my first son who is now 19. When I was going to dr after dr for approx 14 years they told me to stretch and do excersise. Until I found a dr. who's husband was also being treated for restless legs. Hope this information helps.
Oh, I sure know the feeling of restless leg syndrome! It's always worse when I'm over-tired. I've had to get up out of bed and walk around or take a hot bath. It also seems to get worse if I get cold, so try to keep your legs from getting too cold. Sometimes a heating pad helped. I've also heard (as someone else mentioned) that magnesium helps. I've just started on that, so I can't say from personal experience. I've not tried any meds for it. You might try a natural health store or practioner. Rescue Remedy (from Bach Flower Remedies) may be of some help. It does happen less frequently now that I'm older. I don't know why that would be though.
Good luck!
K., also a mama to 5 (3 girls and 2 boys, all grown), and grandma to 5 as well (2 girls and 3 boys)
