Restless Leg Syndrome
RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME - HSI FORUM
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is defined as an unpleasant sensation that appears only at rest, particularly during the transition from wakefulness to sleep; RLS produces an irresistible urge to keep the legs in motion. Patients feel compelled to briskly move or to vigorously rub or squeeze their legs. The sensations can recur as often as every 20-30 seconds for hours at a time, often interrupting sleep throughout the night. Involvement can spread beyond the legs, and some patients have dramatic whole-body movements. RLS is not associated with any psychological or psychiatric problem.
RLS remains underdiagnosed and untreated, even though it is one of the most common causes of insomnia, affecting 5%-10% of adults in primary care practices and an even higher proportion of specific populations. These populations include pregnant women, anemia patients, the elderly, and those with renal disease.
“Restless legs” may not sound like a serious health concern unless of course you suffer from it yourself. One woman named Barb writes: “I have been bothered for a long time with restless legs. Does anyone have a suggestion that works on how to help make this problem better?” Barb’s request is followed by a number of suggestions. Rachel knows people who have relieved restless legs symptoms by eating bananas (speculation that the increase in potassium plays a treatment role).
Abby tells us that a magnesium supplement works for her. And a member named John (who owns a health food store in the UK) offers this background on the problem, followed by specifics about treatments:
There are, possibly, two forms of restless legs. One is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the leg and the other is an involuntary movement or spasm. The second is probably a precursor to muscle cramps and can certainly be cured by taking supplements of calcium, magnesium and potassium. In my experience, magnesium is the best, but it needs to be a highly absorbable form such as citrate or chelate.”
Dr. Elizabeth Bouldin, of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Ochsner Clinic Foundation says that Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a typical problem for people who have iron or B12 deficiencies, anemia, or thyroid problems and, unfortunately, it seems to increase with age. Cutting back on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine sometimes brings relief. And for the patients, antihistamines, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs can trigger RLS.
Carol says: “I used to have this a lot and it was even affecting my arms after I went to bed. I started the Atkins Diet, which meant leaving carbs off my diet. The RLS went away. When I lapsed on the diet and ate carbs (bread, pasta, potatoes), especially late in the day, RLS returned. Back to no carbs and it went away. By now this is a no-brainer and others have found this also to be true for them.”
Millie says: “If I eat any sugar or carbs late in the day, it becomes unbearable.”
Lisa says: I take a calcium/magnesium supplement, folic acid, vitamin E, and occasionally an iron tablet. In the mornings, I take a multi-vitamin and fish oils (for omega fatty acids).
Herbalist Kerry Bone recommends “horse chesnut extract” for his patients with RLS. Horse chestnut extract helps promote healthy blood circulation throughout the body, including the legs. Relieving pressure on the veins in the legs and keeping blood flowing smoothly through them can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS.
