Battling Restless Leg Syndrome? Choose Your Weapon of Relief
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Have you ever tried to relax after a long day in your favorite recliner only to have a creepy-crawly, jumpy feeling in your legs? You feel like you want to kick your feet or shake your legs, but the sensation continues until you get up and become active again. This may also occur when you are sitting in an airplane and your legs just will not stay still. If this has happened to you, you may be suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS).
About 10 percent of the U.S. population has RLS. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), "several studies have shown that moderate to severe RLS affects approximately 2-3 percent of adults (more than 5 million individuals). An additional 5 percent appears to be affected by a milder form." However, there are several ways, both medical and alternative, to alleviate the frustrating symptoms of RLS.
Although a number of medications have been used for treating RLS, Mirapex and Requip have been approved specifically for this condition by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both are dopamine-based. Unfortunately, augmentation may occur with dopamine-based medication after long-term use, which may cause an earlier onset of symptoms, possibly with more intensity, the sensations may effect other body parts, and the duration of relief from the medication may become shorter.
UCB in Brussels has completed new 5-year data that showed that the medication Neupro® (rotigotine) demonstrated continued symptomatic clinical benefit with a low risk of augmentation. On-going research is being done in this area so be sure to discuss these important issues with your doctor.
A number of alternative remedies have been said to relieve RLS and are considerably less risky. Supplements such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B, and magnesium may be helpful. In addition, a warm bath before retiring for the night may also help relax the legs. Some patients have found relief wearing warm or heated-up socks. Acupuncture and electric nerve stimulation may be another option.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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I have suffered occasional bouts of RLS most of my life. In the past 4 - 5 years, those occasional bouts have become pretty regular, and over the past year, just about every night. I have found that a handful of cherries help, either fresh cherries, frozen, canned, or even a small glass of tart cherry juice at night. For the longest time I used potassium which helped. That no longer works. Now I use cherries and on really bad nights I'll get up and take a magnesium capsule. In addition, if it's really bad, I'll also do some leg stretches while up. I'm just not ready yet to discuss it with a doctor and try prescription medication. I'd rather stick with the cherries for as long as I can.
May 26, 2011 - 2:57pmThis Comment
Lynda,
I hadn't heard of cherries as a remedy for RLS but if it helps, I'll try it. When I google cherries, I found they contain melatonin which is great for regulating sleep.
I'm with you - I would much rather eat cherries than take meds. Thanks for the tip!
May 30, 2011 - 3:12pmMy mother found it in a book called "Miracle Medicine Foods". It's no longer in print, but can found on Amazon.com for pennies. Cherries used to be used for gout. My mom suffers leg cramping at night, especially after one of her long, long walks that she loves. She figured if it worked for her leg cramps it might just help my restless legs. For the most part it does!
May 30, 2011 - 4:49pmThanks for the book recommendation. I'll check it out. :)
June 1, 2011 - 7:50pmYou're most welcome! :-)
June 1, 2011 - 8:32pmI have RLS/EKD and have had it for many many years. I take Mirapex which helps but I still don't sleep well. I've tried everything, but will try the cherries. Sometimes I have a break through, the Mirapex isn't working so I have to take a vicodin. I have several health issues and the RLS/EKD is the worst. It is a real nightmare. It really is like torture.
Betty
June 6, 2011 - 1:20pmUnfortunately, I haven't found any ONE thing that works all the time. But I'd still rather struggle with the RLS nighttime torture (and you are right anon - it IS torture) than risk some of the side effects of any prescriptions a doctor might want me to try. Fortunately, I have no other health issues, so I have this option for myself. Some nights I get lucky and one trick works.........other nights it takes two or more tricks to quiet my legs. Makes going to work really miserable the next morning....LOL
June 6, 2011 - 3:08pmLynda: I was at the point where I would risk anything for relief. I hope you never get to that point. But I had dealt with the monster for so many years, I couldn't take it any longer. My family doctor is very caring and he sent me to a neurologist that put me on the Mirapex. At least if I don't sleep, I'm still not suffering to the point that I am walking the floor all night crying. I don't know how I functioned, I didn't very well.
A side point. Does ice cream set your RLS/EKD into a frenzy? Sometimes I can eat it but then it will exacerbate the RLS/EKD. I give in sometimes and eat it, because I love it, but I will suffer sooner or later.
Betty
June 6, 2011 - 5:07pmHi Betty & Linda,
I tried Mirapex a few years back and, like you said, it gave me insomnia. Isn't it strange to prescribe medication that causes insomnia for a condition that keeps you up at night??!!
Since I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, I have found that using the cpap machine also helps my RLS, although, I'm not sure what one has to do with the other. Have either of you been diagnosed with sleep apnea?
When I take a long plane trip, I usually take Klonopin before I leave and it calms my legs. I haven't tried the cherries, yet.
I plan to do more research and write a follow up article about alternative remedies for RLS. Your comments are a great help. Thanks.
June 6, 2011 - 6:13pmI have sleep apnea also. I have had 3 sleep studies and have to go for another one next week. They are terrible for me. But the doctor says I may need the pressure on the CPAP adjusted or I may need oxy gen at night. Oh, woe is me.....
I thought that was weird too, that the Mirapex gives you insomnia. I also take Klonopin. I wonder if it does anything for me. It was the first medicine I was given for the RLS/EKD.
A wonderful book "Restless Legs Syndrome, Coping With Your Sleepless NIghts". Written by Dr. Mark Buchfuhrer an a couple other doctors. It is almost all you would want to know about RLS/EKD. I have great respect for Dr. Buchfuhrer. He has a sleep clinic in Downey, Cal. You can even email him with your questions and he will email you back, usually with in a couple days. I got my book from Amazon at a very reasonable price.
BETTY/WV
June 6, 2011 - 8:22pm