6 Home Remedies To Stop Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

How to Stop Restless Leg Immediately? Restless leg syndrome can be inconvenient and associated with many underlying problems. If you are going through this problem, you must have looked for relief methods. While a complete cure may be difficult, several home treatments can help alleviate the symptoms. 

The article will explain what causes restless leg syndrome and how you can cope depending on your symptoms. For example, some patients may find relief from taking supplements and eating an iron-rich diet, while others may need to wear compression stockings in addition to other at-home treatments. 

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

It is a disorder that causes unpleasant feelings in the legs. These sensations are tingling, crawling, or creepy, resulting in an intense desire to move the affected limb.

RLS treatment is essential because of the discomfort and sleep disruption leading to other problems.

RLS symptoms are more common at night and occur when sitting, resting, or sleeping. Periodic limb movements of sleep are the motions that RLS (PLMS) induce. RLS can create major sleep issues as a result of these movements.

Symptoms of RLS are usually minor in most persons. On the other hand, RLS can have a significant influence on your life if your symptoms are moderate to severe. It can prevent you from getting adequate sleep, affecting your daily concentration, thinking, job, and social activities.

Therefore, due to all these issues, RLS treatment is a must. Because the origin of RLS is unknown, there are several therapy options, including home remedies for restless leg syndrome. 

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

The main factor that causes restless leg syndrome is genes, mainly passed down to the younger generation. But, apart from the genetic factor, let us see what causes restless leg syndrome:

1. Diabetes
2. Pregnancy-induced RLS
3. Depression
4. Hypothyroidism
5. The degenerative disorder known as Parkinson’s disease
6. Arthritis rheumatic.
7. Dialysis
8. Kidney failure

Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment: Home Remedies

Most home treatments are painless, straightforward, and do not require a doctor’s prescription. For instant relief from restless syndrome, you can try over-the-counter medications and supplements that can relieve the pain and symptoms of the restless leg. Restless leg syndrome self care includes massaging the affected area, a warm bath, and stretching the muscles. But, if you experience severe symptoms, it is better to consult your healthcare provider. 

Furthermore, let us see how to stop restless legs immediately with the following home remedies: 

Iron-Rich Diet And Supplements

As the primary cause of RLS is iron deficiency, you can rectify it by getting a simple blood test, and your doctor can prescribe oral iron supplements. 

It is also necessary to have an iron-rich diet. Iron can be obtained from various sources like red meat, tofu, spinach, lentils, etc. In addition, iron-rich meals include eggs, seafood, and nuts such as cashews and almonds. 

Exercise

With RLS, exercising might be strenuous. We have one piece of advice for you on stopping Restless Leg Syndrome immediately: exercise in moderation. Don’t overwork yourself to the point that your symptoms worsen. For example, a light to moderate stroll in the late evening can ease mild symptoms. Instead of being sedentary, people active throughout the day appear to have fewer symptoms.

Other exercises that people with RLS can try are yoga and stretching. Stretching exercises can prove to be beneficial for RLS patients. Calf and upper leg stretches should be included in your daily fitness regime.

Massage

Leg massage is a soothing, straightforward therapy that may help relieve RLS symptoms. Massage can help you relax, which can help you sleep better. RLS symptoms may be reduced by massaging your leg muscles. In addition, a direct pressure massage can help boost circulation.

Compression Stockings Or Foot Wraps

A foot wrap applies pressure to specific muscles in the foot, which calms down the hyperactive nerves and muscles that help to sleep better. The doctor prescribes these wraps, so your healthcare provider can guide you to get one, depending on the severity of the symptoms. These wraps can give instant relief for restless leg symptoms and associated pain.

Hold And Cold Treatments

There can be benefits of hot and cold remedies. You can find an affordable cold or warm compress from a pharmacy, but the easiest method is to soak a cloth in cold or warm water and place it on your legs. Also, we suggest taking a hot or cold shower before bed to help with the unpleasant sensations in the leg.

Maintain A Sleep Cycle

While sleeping better may not cure your RLS symptoms, it may help you compensate for the sleep loss that comes with it. Try the following suggestions to make your sleep as peaceful and refreshing as possible.

• Go to bed at the same time every night
• Avoid distractions like screen time before sleeping
• Maintain a quiet and dark sleeping environment
• Avoid consuming alcohol or coffee that can disrupt your sleep cycle.

Some Additional Restless Leg Syndrome Self-Care Tips

Cut Down On Caffeine

The short energy bursts from caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and aerated drinks are not recommended for patients suffering from RLS. The stimulant from coffee drinks can affect the sleep cycle. So, to sleep better, reducing the intake of caffeinated beverages is advisable. 

Exercise Your Brain

It’s crucial to train the brain as much as it is to move the body, exercise, and stretch the lower limbs. This means that people with RLS, who are dealing with triggers like twitching and leg aches, need to learn to distract their minds and educate their brains to let go of some symptoms in favor of focusing on other things, like solving a puzzle or reading a book. These activities are fantastic exercises for restless leg syndrome self-care. 

Leg Elevation

Elevating the legs as a part of Restless Leg Syndrome self-care will help provide relief from the symptoms related to RLS. Furthermore, it will promote better and sound sleep. Legs elevation improves blood circulation and reduces swelling. It will also enhance blood flow which is a major contributing factor in maintaining overall comfort for individuals suffering from RLS. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Excess weight can make things worse for RLS patients. Exercising and having an iron-rich diet are significant in managing RLS symptoms which in turn helps to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle for individuals. Achieving an ideal weight can reduce the strain on the legs, minimizing discomfort and swelling which ultimately enhances the quality of life. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained in detail how to stop restless legs immediately with different restless leg syndrome self-care instructions and home remedies. However, consultation with a medical professional should be your first step in managing RLS. In addition to the self-care measures, your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings. If the home remedies don’t help, your doctor can prescribe medication.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What helps RLS naturally?

One of the most effective ways to eliminate RLS discomfort is to adjust your sleeping patterns. Going to bed earlier in the evening and waking up later in the morning help alleviate the symptoms of restless legs. Cortisol levels in the evening are linked to an increase in symptoms. Getting enough sleep and keeping a steady, regular circadian rhythm are good practices that help keep cortisol levels in check.

Q.2 What can you rub on your legs for restless legs?

A calf massage before bed or a deep tissue massage on the legs can help you sleep better.

Q.3 What Triggers Restless Leg Syndrome?

A few reasons that trigger RLS are low iron levels and underlying health conditions. In addition, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol may all play a role in bringing on or aggravating symptoms.

Q.4 Is Restless Leg Syndrome Neurological?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological illness characterized by an unpleasant or uncomfortable feeling in one’s legs and an overwhelming impulse to move one’s legs. RLS is also called as Willis-Ekbom disease.

Q.5 Who Is Most Likely To Develop RLS?

Women are more prone to having restless leg syndrome. While RLS symptoms may appear at any age, the likelihood of developing the disease rises dramatically after the age of 40, especially as and when there are any conditions like diabetes or hypertension develop.

Q.6 Can RLS Be A Sign Of A More Serious Health Condition?

It can cause peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes, long-term health issues like diabetes and alcoholism cause nerve degeneration in the hands and feet.