Restless legs syndrome is a condition in which a person is bothered by a tingling sensation in their legs or a feeling similar to something crawling all over them. It is actually a disorder involving the central nervous system. The condition makes the one affected want to move the legs in a subconscious need to stop the feeling.
Exercise
There are treatments and tasks for coping with or relieving the symptoms of restless legs. Daily exercise is a big helper. It can keep the feelings from being as intense by tiring out the legs. Also doing exercises when symptoms start will alleviate some of the feeling.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a big no-no with restless legs. It tends to encourage the symptoms. It is best to reduce caffeine consumption overall, but especially in the evening before bedtime. Caffeine tends to add extra energy to the body, which causes the syndrome to be worse. Keeping this substance out of the system at night helps the body be more relaxed.
Techniques
Wrapping legs in bandages or other tight material helps take away some of the sensations because it creates another feeling to concentrate on. Hot and cold applications help by either relaxing the area or numbing it. Massaging the leg muscles relaxes the body as well as the leg muscles. Relaxed muscles are less likely to move when the nerves send the signals.
Medication
Medication is sometimes prescribed to alleviate symptoms. There are different types that are prescribed depending on the individual. This is because not all medication works for everybody. Types of medication that are given include opiates, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and dopaminergics. Opiates are pain killers and relaxants. However they are very addictive. Anticonvulsants help reduce muscle contraction, and benzodiazepines are sedatives that cause sleep. Dopaminergics are normally the first type of drugs that are tried. They control muscle reaction.
Tags: restless legs
