Restless Legs Syndrome can be very problematic for adults and even children, too.
The Facts About Restless Legs Syndrome:
- It affects up to 10% of the population.
- There are more than 5 million people who suffer from the more moderate or severe forms of RLS.
- Twice as many women suffer from RLS as men.
- More than a million school-aged children have RLS, and a third of them suffer from the more moderate or severe forms.
- Hypoglycemia can make RLS symptoms worse.
- Symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day.
- Resting (or trying to sleep) actually increases the symptoms.
- In most cases, the cause is unknown (ideopathic), but there may be a genetic component.
- Alcohol and/or sleep deprivation may also aggravate or trigger RLS.
- Pregnant wome can develop RLS, especially in the last trimester.
- Certain medications may aggravate symptoms.
Diagnosing RLS
Diagnosing RLS can be a little tricky, and it may be especially difficult to diagnose in children. This is because RLS can mimick “growing pains” or attention deficit disorder, not to mention the challenge of getting kids to tell you where it hurts, for how long, etc.
If you think you might have RLS, plan to have answers for your doctor on the following:
- Â Any and all symptoms you have including what triggers the RLS and what brings relief.
- Your medical and family history, especially of RLS, if applicable.
- What medicines you’re taking.
Most doctors will do a physical and neurological exam as well as blood tests to rule out other conditions.
Treatment For RLS
Treatment of RLS usually involves some lifestyle changes including:
- Eliminating or limiting, alcohol or caffeine intake, and of course, smoking.
- Taking supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and/or magnesium.
- Developing a regular exercise program.
- Massaging the legs, taking a hot bath, or alternating hot and cold on the legs.
Chiropractic care is also a way to get treatment for RLS. Making sure your spine and pelvic area are in proper alignment is important; not only to your overall health, but also in targeting specific health concerns like restless legs syndrome.
Since  RLS is linked to mineral and vitamin deficiency, make sure you are getting an appropriate daily amount.  Natural Healthy Concepts has a wide range of professional grade vitamins and minerals for you and your family.
A couple natural products that may help put a stop to restless legs syndrome are Flavonex Salvia and Ginko Extract from Health Concerns, or Restful Legs Homeopathic, from Hylands.
Also, one of our customers/Facebook friends, Ellen, swears by this RLSÂ natural remedy,
Slip a bar or two of Ivory soap under your sheets, down by your ankles or calves. After a few months, the bars dry out and lose their effectiveness, so switch them out with fresh bars. I slip mine into the toes of cut-off pantyhose so they don’t slip around much. I have no idea why this works, but everyone who has tried it finds wonderful relief.
If you have any natural RLS remedies to share, please do so in the comments section of this post!
Related articles
- Restless Leg Syndrome (terrytalksnutrition.com)
- Restless leg syndrome tied to high blood pressure in women (cbsnews.com)
- About the Author
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Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.
