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Treatment For Restless Leg Syndrome

The cause of restless leg syndrome (RLS) can sometimes be linked to a medical condition that can be treated. Many times the cause cannot be identified because there is so much unknown about restless leg syndrome. Even when the restless leg syndrome cannot be identified, the symptoms can be managed with treatment. Some of the treatment options:

• Change in activity
• Medication
• Treat underlying medical condition
• Remove symptom triggers

Changing activity is an option for restless leg syndrome treatment. Only change one activity at a time to test if it is successful in relieving symptoms. This will make it easier to identify the activity that triggers symptoms. Some changes that may be effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms:

• Reduce or eliminate any fatigue causing activity
• Poor sleeping habits can cause fatigue
• Over-doing exercise
• Irregular exercise schedule
• Lack of alertness before bedtime
• Boredom before bedtime

Medication that works for other medical conditions can provide relief for restless leg symptoms. Medication for Parkinson’s disease reduces the chemical messenger dopamine, which works by reducing motion in the legs. Some of the medications that work for epilepsy also are effective for restless leg syndrome. Other medications that are used to treat RLS:

• Opioids-narcotics like codeine, Vicodin, and Percocet
• Muscle relaxants and sleep medications-sedatives like clonazepam, Lunesta, and ramelteon
• Pain relievers-over-the-counter pain reliever like Advil and Motrin

Restless leg syndrome is sometimes a symptom of other medical conditions. These medical conditions include renal colic (renal stones), abnormalities in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), central nervous system abnormalities (the part that controls automatic movements) anemia (iron deficiency), diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms).

Symptom triggers vary from on restless leg sufferer to another. Eliminating or reducing the triggers can be a treatment option. These are some of the triggers.

• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine consumption
• Tobacco use
• Resting
• Lying down
• Drowsiness or boredom before bed

Sometimes a few simple changes is all it will take for mild cases of restless leg syndrome. For others medication may be needed or an underlying medical condition will need to be treated to provide relief.

Medication for Restless Leg Syndrome

Understand the Medication for Restless Leg Syndrome.