Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome: What You Need to Know

If you're on the lookout for treatment of restless legs syndrome, the chances are you've had just about enough of this in your life! Maybe you've tried all the normal treatments that are recommended (such as decreasing your stress, not smoking or drinking alcohol, and getting enough sleep), and you're ready for something new. What should you try to eliminate your RLS symptoms for good?

Examine your diet further, as a first step. Are you getting enough iron? Many people are not sure if they are, so this is something you can get tested. Think about foods you commonly eat. If they do not include things like clams, oysters, meat, fish, leafy vegetables, and other iron-containing foods, then you may not be getting enough iron. Try increasing your consumption of these foods.

If you do not like these foods, or are finding it difficult to get the iron you need in foods, you can definitely supplement as a treatment for restless leg syndrome. It is often recommended that those with RLS take 65 mg of iron, and 100 mg of vitamin C, three times per day. Always discuss this with your doctor to see if this is a good level of supplementation for you, or even if you are deficient in iron.

Finding the Right Treatment for RLS

In addition to iron, vitamins such as B6, B complex, potassium, and magnesium have also been been found to be helpful. You can consult with your doctor or a naturopath to see what your best choices for supplementation are. These can be reliable treatments for restless legs syndrome -- just remember that if you are not actually deficient, the chances of them helping you are very slim.

There are also things you can do in the meantime, since supplementation can take a while to work. If you're laying in bed and your legs are really bothering you, try straightening them out, and completely flexing your feet back. You can then pull them back toward your body. Some also find that walking around, placing things between their toes, or rolling their toes over a foot massager can work wonders for temporary relief.

Others report that water can bring short-term relief, if not a cure for restless legs. Some enjoy taking a bath or shower, or even washing their feet in the water pressure of the tub with soap can work. Basically, you need to do what works for you in the short term. Of course, the short-term is not going to help you forever! You need to find a treatment for restless leg syndrome that will eliminate, or at least dramatically improve, your symptoms.