Almost everyone with restless legs syndrome has a hard time describing their symptoms. Victims struggle to express what they are experiencing in a variety of ways, especially to those who have not heard of this little-known condition. Victims try to explain this in simple terms, so that skeptical doctors believe that what they are feeling is real. Some try to depict them in order to get an accurate sketch. Is restless legs syndrome real? For some people, symptoms are severe enough to be disturbed or even disabling. For some with milder problems, these symptoms may be dismissed as muscle aches or anxiety, or are simply considered short episodes of normal life and are therefore tolerable.
In addition, there are several natural treatments and home remedies for relieving RLS symptoms. Below are some of the safe treatments that can help relieve restless legs syndrome:
- Moderate exercise. In some patients, regular, moderate exercise may help relieve symptoms; on the other hand, increasing the amount of exercise can lead to symptoms of restless legs. Walking is a great exercise, especially if you haven’t done any exercise.
- Try to reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake. Drinks such as tea, coffee, chocolate, mate, caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks contain caffeine. Reducing caffeine intake often helps significantly with short leg syndrome.
- Set a specific time to go to bed. A nightly routine will help your body relax and prepare you for sleep.
- Stay away from stress. Stress can worsen RLS symptoms. You can use some forms of relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, massage, exercise, deep breathing, or even take part in a pleasant hobby.
- Take a warm bath before bed. Taking a warm bath and massage before bed can also help relieve these symptoms.
- It is important to eat a balanced diet. In some cases, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin B complex can contribute to the development of symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Eat a variety of foods to get the nutrients you need.
- Alternating hot and cold compresses can improve blood circulation in the leg. Try briefly applying a heating pad or warm compress to your feet. If that doesn’t work, soak a few towels in cold water, place them on your feet, or soak your feet in cold water for about 2 minutes.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol. Avoiding them will reduce the irritation of RLS.
- Wear warm socks at night. The high temperature causes the blood vessels to dilate, which in turn increases blood circulation in the leg.
Episodes can last up to several minutes all night. Attacks can be short-lived and will vary from person to person. Seizures that last for several minutes are usually not a problem, but seizures that last for hours can disrupt your sleep as it is difficult to relax when your legs hurt.