How does one treat the condition of “restless legs” (not the same as leg cramps)?
Restless Leg Syndrome is a valid and recognized medical condition. Although movement brings relief to those with RLS, it is generally only temporary. However, RLS can be controlled by finding any possible underlying disorder. Often, treating the associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes, will alleviate many symptoms. For patients with idiopathic RLS, treatment is directed toward relieving symptoms. For those with mild to moderate symptoms, prevention is key, and many physicians suggest certain lifestyle changes and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Physicians may suggest that certain individuals take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Studies also have shown that maintaining a regular sleep pattern can reduce symptoms. Some individuals, finding that RLS symptoms are minimized in the early morning, change their sleep patterns. Others have foun
The most important tool the doctor has in diagnosing RLS is the history obtained from the patient. Several common medical conditions are known to either cause or to be closely associated with RLS. The doctor may link the patient’s symptoms to one of these conditions, which include anemia; diabetes; disease of the spinal nerve roots (lumbosacral radiculopathy); Parkinson’s disease; late-stage pregnancy; kidney failure (uremia); and complications of stomach surgery. In order to identify or eliminate such a cause, blood tests may be performed to determine the presence of serum ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, creatinine, and thyroid-stimulating hormones. The physician may also ask if symptoms are present in any close family members, since it is common for RLS to run in families and this type is sometimes more difficult to treat. Treatment It is likely that the best alternative therapy will combine both conventional and alternative approaches. Levodopa may be combined with a therapy that rel
I have found that Ropinirole medicine gave wonderful relief from restless leg syndrome, 0.5 mg three hours before going to bed. I am experiencing waking up next morning with a headache. I don’t know if it’s the medication or what. I want to continue taking it for the restless leg syndrome because it does stop that. For more information about this med visit here http://www.internationaldrugmart.com/ropinirole.shtml
