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RLS or restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition that affects more than 10 % of the people all over the world. A person with RLS experiences severe pain in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. The symptoms are at its peak in the evenings and almost always worsen when you keep your legs still. Once you start moving your legs, you immediately feel greatly relieved. If you have these symptoms, you are suffering from RLS.
RLS is not a disease as such, but it can cause great discomfort to the patient, especially at night when your sleep patterns are interrupted as you cannot lie flat on the bed. Difficulty in sleeping can ultimately take a toll on your health and lead to other diseases of the body. Though the causes of RLS are yet to be confirmed, many researchers suggest that a person with anaemia and low levels of iron in the body can get RLS.
Renal disorders too are known to create this condition. Restless leg syndrome may also be caused due to attention deficit disorder. Natural treatment methods can keep the symptoms under control and offer a whiff of fresh air to patients suffering from RLS. Here are some great home remedies to keep your RLS controlled without spending much from your pocket.
Home Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome
Multivitamin
Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, magnesium and iron can lead to restless leg syndrome. Taking a multivitamin supplement could sometimes end your ordeal and give you sound sleep and fast relief.
Reduce Stress
Restless Leg Syndrome can be worsened with extreme stress. Stress can also trigger RLS in people who have never experienced it before. If you lead a stressful life, it should be kept under control with meditation or yoga. Aromatherapy too can help relieve stress to a great extent and relax the muscles.
Soap
This is a strange but interesting remedy for Restless Leg Syndrome, but many people seemed to have found that it works like a charm! Place a soap bar under the sheet at the level of your calf. It is supposed to stop your RLS symptoms completely.
Caffeine
Caffeinated products worsen the symptoms related to RLS. Stopping all nerve stimulating beverages like tea, coffee, sodas etc. can improve your condition drastically.
Stop Alcohol
Alcohol intake can make Restless Leg Syndrome worse. Therefore, along with other remedies, you must stop alcohol consumption if you have the habit.
Cold Water Soak
A cold compress or soaking your leg in cold water can sometimes relieve Restless Leg Syndrome. Take a basin full of cold water and soak your feet in that for 5-10 minutes. This will offer great relief for some and help in sleeping well too if done before heading off to sleep.
Warm Compress
Just as cold compress offers great relief from Restless Leg Syndrome for some, others find relief when they use a warm compress. Take warm water in a basin and soak your feet in this for 10 minutes. This can also be done before you sleep for getting sound sleep.
Drink Orange Juice
Orange juice contains potassium which helps in reducing the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. Take a glass of orange juice before you go to sleep. Orange juice will give you good sleep by controlling the symptoms throughout the night.
Stretching Exercises
Tensed muscles due to stress can lead to Restless Leg Syndrome. Stretching exercises can help relax your leg muscles when you have Restless Leg Syndrome. Stretch your legs when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep.
Sit on the floor and Spread your legs in a V shape. Now, extent your arms towards the front and touch your toes with your finger tips. These stretching exercises will relax your muscles and help reduce episodes of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Yoga And Massage
Yoga and massage are other forms of relaxation techniques that can be practiced for reducing instances of Restless Leg Syndrome. Massage your leg lightly with a soothing herbal oil or cream for 15 minutes before you go to sleep and after you wake up in the morning. This will greatly reduce your symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Take Prunes
Prunes have helped many people with Restless Leg Syndrome sleep well without any disturbance. Before going to bed, try taking prunes and see the effect for yourself.
Distract Your Mind
Many people who complain about Restless Leg Syndrome almost always wait for the symptoms to surface by thinking only about it at night, almost forcing Restless Leg Syndrome to come. Distracting your mind from the symptoms could sometimes be all that you need to stop the symptoms. Keep your mind away from RLS by keeping your mind occupied.
Go to sleep only when you feel really sleepy. This will leave you with no time to think about Restless Leg Syndrome and help you fall asleep fast. Try engaging yourself in some activity until you feel drowsy and then head off to sleep.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is good for relaxing the muscles and mind. Drink 2-3 glasses of chamomile tea every day to leave you free from stress and help you relax. Take a glass of chamomile tea before you go to sleep as well to prevent muscle twitching and Restless Leg Syndrome.
Take Vitamin B 12
Taking vitamin B12 as supplements and adding it in your diet as well can help control the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. Vitamin supplements can help in developing strong muscles and prevent the occurrence of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.