Restless legs syndrome appointments

In many cases, no medical treatment is required for RLS. The symptoms and urge to move can be relieved with a few simple self-care methods which include:

- Practice good sleep hygiene. Fatigue can make the symptoms of RLS worse. Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and establish a bedtime routine that will ensure that you get high-quality sleep. Avoid phone or computer use right before bed. Moderate your bedroom temperature to ensure that it is comfortable and cool at night. Additionally, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

- Exercise. Regular exercise can help encourage sleep at the end of the day and reduce symptoms of RLS. Overworking your body or working out right before bed, however, can make symptoms worse. Aim for moderate exertion with enough time to wind down every day to get the most benefit out of your exercise routine.

- Avoid caffeine. Cutting out caffeinated products may help relieve symptoms of RLS.

- Take a bath. Resting in a warm bath can help relax muscles and encourage ease.

- Apply heat or cooling pads. Heating pads, cooling packs, and massage can all help relax muscles and promote relaxation. These measures can also help reduce discomfort caused by restless legs syndrome.

- Relax. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture can help reduce stress and ease tight muscles. This can help promote sleep and relieve discomfort caused by RLS.

Medical treatment for RLS is generally reserved for severe cases or instances of RLS that are associated with other underlying conditions. If you experience persistent restless legs syndrome that affects your daily life and is not connected to other conditions, your doctor may prescribe a dopamine agonist or anti-seizure medication to control symptoms.

- Dopamine agonist: These drugs (ropinirole, rotigotine, and pramipexole) affect dopamine levels in the brain, which can control sensations caused by RLS and the uncontrollable urge to move your legs.

- Anti-seizure medication: Gabapentin (Neurontin) has been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Anti-seizure medication blocks pain signals sent from the legs to the brain, reducing the sensations of aching or creeping in the legs that provoke the urge to move.