Surgery For Varicose Veins
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Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels, often in the legs, that overfill with blood. This increased amount of blood can lead to superficial venous insufficiency , which means your body cant properly circulate blood. As a result, the blood pools in your legs.
In a 2008 study, 35 people with SVI and RLS had a procedure called endovenous laser ablation to treat their varicose veins. Of the 35 people, 84 percent of them had their RLS symptoms significantly improved or completely eliminated by the surgery .
Again, more research is needed on this surgery as a treatment for RLS.
BOTTOM LINE
If youre interested in any of these less-researched treatments, ask your doctor about them. Of course, you can try hot and cold treatments on your own, but your doctor can tell you more about the other treatments and whether they might be able to help you.
Introduce Yoga And Meditation In Your Routine
The Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation suggests that positive changes in your lifestyle can help you better deal with RLS. These include moderate daily exercise, including between 30 and 60 minutes of milder training.
The Foundations experts suggest that activities such as yoga, swimming, and cycling can be extremely beneficial in establishing better inner balance and calming RLS symptoms.
In particular, yoga has been incredibly efficient as a relaxation therapy for those with RLS. However, they advise against more extreme kinds of exercise, such as Ashtanga and Hot Yoga, which can have adverse effects.
Additionally, it is recommendable not to engage in exercise a few hours before bedtime. Indeed, if your joints and muscles are aching before going to sleep, this can worsen the condition.
Another practice worth introducing in your routine is mindful meditation. You can find guided meditations online, on apps, or through YouTube. This practice allows you to calm your mind and focus on your breathing, helping establish inner balance.
More importantly, it has been seen that meditation can increase dopamine levels in the brain just like weighted blankets do. So, both techniques can help you achieve similar positive results.
Hot And Cold Treatments
While theres not a lot of research backing up using heat and cold to relieve RLS symptoms, many healthcare organizations recommend it. They include the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation .
These organizations suggest taking a hot or cold bath before going to bed, or applying hot or cold packs to your legs .
Some peoples RLS symptoms are aggravated by cold, while others have problems with heat. This could explain the benefits of these hot or cold treatments.
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Stretching And Movement Tips To Ease Restless Legs
Compresses Can Be Soothing
Heated or cooled pads, often used to relieve swelling caused by injuries and other conditions, have a long history as a home remedy. Dr. Vensel-Rundo says they can be effective by creating a new sensation for the brain to process, reducing the uncomfortable sensation produced by restless legs syndrome.
You can buy an inexpensive cold or warm compress at a store, but the simplest way to make one is to soak fabric in cold or warm water and place it against your skin.
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History Examination And Laboratory Results
A 33-year-old gravida 2 para 1 medical professional was referred to Sleep Medicine from Psychiatry at 29 weeks gestation for an evaluation of her restless legs syndrome . She was taking escitalopram at 20 mg in the morning for a long-standing major depressive disorder. She endorsed severe, daily, typical symptoms of RLS that began in the early second trimester. There was also a history of RLS in the previous pregnancy. Her obstetric team had tried trazodone at 50 to 100 mg at bedtime due to significant sleep onset and maintenance difficulty but this was ineffective and therefore discontinued by her psychiatrist. Clonazepam was substituted at 0.5 mg at bedtime for severe RLS resulting in insomnia, worsening mood and anxiety symptoms. Due to concerns with long-term daily use of clonazepam in pregnancy, she was referred to Sleep Medicine for further management.
There was no history of smoking, alcohol, or recreational drug use before or during pregnancy. She drank one soft drink per day. There was no family history of sleep disorders. Past medical history was significant for generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and preterm labor at 35 weeks gestation 2.5 years ago. She had been taking oral ferrous sulfate 325 mg daily since the beginning of the pregnancy in addition to a prenatal vitamin. She was not taking any other over-the-counter medications or supplements.
When To Seek Help
Of course, home remedies have their limits. If these ideas dont work for you and they dont work for everyone dont hesitate to seek out the advice of a sleep expert.
Not everyone with restless legs needs to see a doctor, but severe cases can be debilitating.
Some people feel so desperate and helpless, Dr. Vensel-Rundo says, as their lack of sleep can cause depression and anxiety.
She says to consult a doctor if either of the following apply to you:
- Your difficulties falling or staying asleep lead to you feeling sleepy or unrefreshed.
- Your sleep is disrupted at least two or three times a week.
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The 11 Best Treatments For Restless Legs Syndrome
What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome , also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations, most often in the legs. These sensations have been described as tingly, crawling, creeping feelings, and cause the overwhelming urge to move the affected limb.
RLS symptoms typically occur when the person is sitting, resting, or sleeping, and often happen at night. The movements caused by RLS are called periodic limb movements of sleep . Because of these movements, RLS can cause serious sleep problems.
Some people have primary RLS, which has no known cause. Others have secondary RLS, which is typically associated with nerve problems, pregnancy, iron deficiency, or chronic kidney failure.
For most people with RLS, symptoms are mild. But if your symptoms are moderate to severe, RLS can have a big impact on your life. It can prevent you from sleeping enough, and thus cause problems with daytime focus and thinking, your job, and your social activities.
As a result of these problems, RLS can lead to anxiety and depression. And the longer you have the condition, the worse it can get. It can even spread to other parts of your body, such as your arms .
Here we list the best treatments for RLS. Some of these you can try on your own. Others you can discuss with your doctor, who can help you create a treatment plan to help relieve your RLS symptoms.
Natural Remedies For Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy
How much is enough?The IRLSSG recommends taking 325 milligrams of ferrous sulfate daily with 250-500 mg of vitamin C on an empty stomach plus 1,000 micrograms of folate, found in many prenatal vitamins.Get your iron and folic acid levels checked as soon as you get pregnant and then every month for the next three months, Hensley says. Dont continue taking iron if you dont need it, because it could lead to iron toxicity, which could interfere with your babys development.”2. Go into pregnancy at an ideal weight.Women who are obese or have excess belly fat before pregnancy are at higher risk of developing restless legs syndrome, according to a 2009 Harvard study conducted on more than 80,000 people with RLS.Women used to think they needed to gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, but 5 pounds is enough, says Brad Douglas, an OB-GYN with St. Marys Hospital in Richmond, Va.”If youre already overweight or obese, you shouldnt gain any weight, especially if you have RLS.
Finding ways to live with restless legs syndrome instead of fighting it can also reduce symptoms, says the RLS Foundation, which offers these tips:
For more expert advice and information, visit our .
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Common Signs And Symptoms Of Rls
Leg discomfort combined with strong urge to move. Uncomfortable sensations deep within the legs, accompanied by a strong, often irresistible urge to move them.
Rest triggers the symptoms. The uncomfortable leg sensations start or become worse when youre sitting, lying down, or trying to relax.
Symptoms get worse at night. RLS typically flares up at night. In more severe cases, the symptoms may begin earlier in the day, but they become much more intense at bedtime.
Symptoms improve when you walk or move your legs. The relief continues as long as you keep moving.
Leg twitching or kicking while sleeping. Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder , which involves repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep.
The symptoms of RLS can range from mildly annoying to severely disabling. You may experience the symptoms only once in a while, such as times of high stress, or they may plague you every night. In severe cases of RLS, you may experience symptoms in your arms as well as your legs.
Does Cbd Work For Restless Leg Syndrome
Are you are having trouble sleeping at night because of unpleasant sensations in your legs? Jerking or twitching movements during sleep are signs of restless leg syndrome. Because of sleep disturbances at night, you struggle to stay awake during the day and feel generally tired.
Even though restless leg syndrome has no cure, medications can treat its symptoms. And people with RLS who have used CBD products claim that they experienced relief from the symptoms. They were able to sleep peacefully at night and have robust mental health. Cannabidiol is a chemical component of the cannabis plant that users allege to have potential benefits. Studies are still being conducted to prove these claims.
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
With transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation , a device sends small electrical currents to parts of your body to help relieve pain.
Theres not a lot of research on the use of TENS to treat RLS, but it could work.
The idea is that like the Relaxis vibrating pad, it uses counterstimulation. One study showed that regular use of TENS along with a vibration treatment completely relieved one mans RLS symptoms (
However, more research is needed to confirm acupuncture as a reliable treatment for RLS.
Establish A Sleep Routine
Practicing good sleep habits may help you get the rest you need.
Try to follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time each night, and rise at the same time each morning.
Just before you hit the sack, do something you find relaxing for 30 minutes or more. For example, meditate, read, or listen to soothing music. Turn off digital devices and glowing screens that can interfere with your sleep.
It may also help to create a comfortable sleeping environment. Keep your room clean, cool, and dark for optimal sleep. And change your pillowcases, sheets, and nightclothes regularly.
Have everything you need, such as extra pillows, close at hand.
Find time early in the day for some moderate exercise, such as walking. Try not to spend too much time sitting or standing in one position. Get up, move around, and stretch often.
When your legs bother you, soak them in warm water or ask someone to massage them.
You could also try alternating heat and cold to alleviate symptoms.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Restless Legs Syndrome
Not only do the signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome differ from person to person, but they can be tricky to describe. Common descriptions include: a creepy-crawly feeling, tingling, itching, prickling, burning, pulling, tugging, and aching. Some people have said it feels like bugs are crawling up their legs, a fizzy soda is bubbling through their veins, or they have a deep bone itch. Sometimes the symptoms are painful, but usually they are simply uncomfortable and disturbing.
Nighttime And Sleep Tips To Ease Restless Legs Syndrome
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What Are The Symptoms Of Restless Legs Syndrome
The main symptom is the overwhelming urge to move your legs. But you may also have uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in your legs. Some people describe these as:
- tingling
- a creepy-crawly sensation, like ants moving up and down the legs
- like fizzy water in the veins.
These sensations are often worse just below the knee and can sometimes be painful.
Your symptoms may be worse when youre resting and may feel better when you move. They may be worse in the evening or at night.
Restless legs syndrome can be very frustrating, but it should not affect your health or pregnancy. However, it can make it more difficult to get a good nights sleep. A lack of sleep wont hurt your baby, but it can make your day-to-day life a bit more difficult. We have some tips that may help you sleep better.
Restless legs syndrome caused by pregnancy usually develops during the third trimester . At this point, sleeping on your side is the safest thing to do for your baby because research shows it can reduce the risk of stillbirth.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
A noninvasive procedure thats typically used to treat depression could be helpful in relieving RLS symptoms. So far, studies have been limited and more research is needed, but the results are promising (4, 41,
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic impulses to certain areas of the brain.
Its not entirely clear why rTMS could help relieve RLS symptoms. One theory is that the impulses increase the release of dopamine in the brain. Another suggests that rTMS could help calm the hyperarousal in parts of the brain that are associated with RLS .
In one 2015 study, 14 people with RLS were given 14 sessions of rTMS over 18 days. The sessions significantly improved their RLS symptoms and improved their sleep. The results lasted for at least two months after the treatment ended .
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What Are The Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS falls under two categories: nervous system disorder and sleep disorder. This is because once your limbs are affected, you might struggle to fall asleep and get the rest you need. In turn, this can become insomnia if the condition is not correctly treated.
People who are affected by RLS are also likely to experience Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep . This happens when the legs muscles contract and release every 30 seconds during sleep. Like RLS, this can be only a temporary condition that emerges due to a lifestyle change.
The main symptom of RLS includes unusual feelings in the legs, which can feel like:
- Itching
- Pulling
- Urge to move the legs
When you experience these symptoms, always moving your leg can very briefly alleviate the condition, which is likely to come back in a matter of seconds.
It is worth noting that symptoms can vary significantly from patient to patient. Indeed, they are often stronger in the evenings, and they can be more or less severe during each attack. Since they tend to disappear in the morning, this is one of the only moments in which people affected can find rest.
This all makes it paramount to find a solution that alleviates your disorder at nighttime.
How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Treated
RLS can be treated, with care directed toward relieving symptoms. Moving the affected limb may provide temporary relief. Sometimes RLS symptoms can be controlled by finding and treating an associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, or iron deficiency anemia.
Iron supplementation or medications are usually helpful but no single medication effectively manages RLS for all individuals. Trials of different drugs may be necessary. In addition, medications taken regularly may lose their effect over time or even make the condition worse, making it necessary to change medications.
Treatment options for RLS include:
Lifestyle changes. Certain lifestyle changes and activities may provide some relief in persons with mild to moderate symptoms of RLS. These steps include avoiding or decreasing the use of alcohol and tobacco, changing or maintaining a regular sleep pattern, a program of moderate exercise, and massaging the legs, taking a warm bath, or using a heating pad or ice pack. There are new medical devices that have been cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration , including a foot wrap that puts pressure underneath the foot and another that is a pad that delivers vibration to the back of the legs. Aerobic and leg-stretching exercises of moderate intensity also may provide some relief from mild symptoms.
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