Alternative Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome

No one can completely understand what Restless Leg Syndrome is until she one day suffers with it. It is a strange sensation that causes you to constantly move your legs; they seem uncomfortable in any position, and the urge to move them is nearly irresistible. It almost feels as though your legs are under someone else's control as they twitch and demand to be moved yet again. For anyone suffering with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), sleep is virtually impossible, and the more you think about it, the worse it seems to get.

Although there are medications available to help with RLS, you may not want the side effects and may opt to search for home remedies or alternative treatments. Here is a compilation of remedies and alternative treatments that are considered safe for all to try.

Simple Changes

• Take a stroll in the evening. Some say that mild exercise in the evening helps sooth RLS symptoms.

  Do gentle stretches in the evening.

  Drink at least 1 pint of water in the evening to prevent dehydration, as mild dehydration can worsen symptoms.

  Decrease caffeine intake, especially after 2 pm. Avoid alcohol and nicotine.

  Wear stockings to bed.

Dietary changes

• Take a multivitamin with iron daily. Be sure that it contains 100% of the adult daily requirement of vitamins B6, B12, potassium and iron.

  Drink 12 oz. of tonic water daily.

  Mix 1 c. hot water with 1 tbsp. honey and 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and drink in the evening.

  Eat one of the following every night before bed: an orange, a banana or three prunes

Relaxation

• Endeavor to relax in the evening and not worry about things. Listen to soft music and read something light and enjoyable. Sip an herbal tea that induces relaxation and sleepiness. Keep your feet and ankles warm. You might try massaging lotion into your feet before putting on stockings, as massage helps many people relax.

  Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. A regular sleep schedule will signal your body that it is time to sleep at night and will help you relax.

Off-the-wall remedies

• Rub warm apple cider vinegar onto your feet and lower legs.

  Place a bar of soap between the mattress pad and the bottom sheet on your bed (I didn't make this up); many claim this has given them relief from RLS.

  Dip your feet into very cold water for 20 seconds; take them out and dry them before wrapping them in a preheated heating pad.

Consult Physician

• Check with your physician before diagnosing yourself with RLS. The physician should rule out all other possible causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, anemia, diabetes, thyroid conditions and kidney disease.