Helpful Lifestyle Tips for Restless Leg Syndrome
Anemia, dialysis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and damage to the nerves in hands and feet such as peripheral neuropathy from diabetes have all been associated with restless leg syndrome. Although it has not yet been discovered what causes restless leg syndrome, nor a cure, certain risk factors have been identified and many treatments exist for controlling its symptoms.
Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder and is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, and sometimes other parts of the body. There are often unusual or unpleasant sensations that are described as tingly, creepy-crawly, tugging, throbbing, or pulling, which accompany these impulses. Additionally, many people experience periodic limb movements or jerking of the arms or legs. Periodic limb movement disorder typically occurs in the evening and can severely disrupt sleep and reduce quality of life.
It is estimated that around 3 million people per year in the U.S., or approximately 7-8% of the population, suffers from restless leg syndrome. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, although women are more likely to experience restless leg syndrome than men, and it’s more common in middle-aged women or older. In fact, nearly a quarter of women develop the disease during pregnancy, but the symptoms frequently go away after giving birth.
Restless leg syndrome relief, which can help to decrease the symptoms, may be helped by certain lifestyle changes:
- Reducing caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
- Increasing regular exercise
- Getting more sleep
- Taking a hot bath, warm shower, or applying heating pads
- Having leg massages
When symptoms aren’t relieved through other methods, there are several FDA-approved medications for the treatment of RLS. These include some neurotransmitters (dopaminergics), benzodiazepines for sleeping, narcotics to relieve pain, and anticonvulsants.
When you need relief from the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, it’s important to consult a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of the disease. At the Goldman Vein Institute, you can schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, and begin to experience an alleviation of your discomfort today.
If you would like more information on restless leg syndrome relief treatment, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations: Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.