Restless leg syndrome or RLS can be overwhelming at times with a strong urge to move your legs constantly. It is an unpleasant condition with weird sensations in the legs leading to the desire to move your legs. It can disturb sleep and interfere with daily activities. This affects the daily life and overall well-being of the person. It also impacts mental and physical balance affecting the quality of life.

Restless leg syndrome causes major restlessness not only for the legs or lower limbs but it also affects the mental and physical plane. It is a neurological disorder also known as Willis-Ekbom disease or WED. Ideally, there is no specific cure for restless leg syndrome. It is a lifelong condition that can be controlled and managed with different forms of medicine. Homeopathy helps manage the symptoms of the condition.

Role of Homeopathy in restless leg syndrome

Eliminating the root cause of restless leg syndrome with homeopathic medicines can help provide relief. Homeopathic medicines for restless leg syndrome work holistically in treating and recovering from restless leg syndrome with long-lasting results. Early detection of RLS is a must for better recovery and prognosis. It is important to couple up homeopathy with positive lifestyle modifications to treat RLS effectively.

Six effective homeopathic medicines for restless leg syndrome

Zincum metallicum

Common name: Zinc

Zincum met. is indicated for treating restless leg syndrome, especially in patients who are triggered by restlessness of the legs at night. These patients are more likely to have marked discomfort and uneasiness at night. They generally find it very difficult to relax in one place and are always in search of a comforting place to find some relief. Along with this, they also experience a sensation of insects crawling in the legs making it difficult to sleep. This may result in weird sensations and pressure on the legs complicated with pain in the legs.

Rhus toxicodendron

Common name: Poison Ivy

Rhus tox. is recommended for RLS patients who also have associated aching pain in the legs with stiffness and cramps. It is suited to patients who find it difficult to sit or sleep in one place in a relaxed and comfortable position. They have a constant desire to move and work daily with physical exertion. All the symptoms are aggravated at rest and better with movement. Along with aching pain and cramps in the legs, there is also a crawling sensation in the legs leading to constant motion which provides them extensive relief. It is also suited to people who are restless at night and overexert during the day.

Tarentula hispanica

Common name: Spanish Spider

Tarantula is specifically suited for marked restlessness of upper and lower limbs with anxiety. The anxiety in these patients compels them to move constantly in the bed with uneasiness causing disturbed sleep. The complaints are worsened in the late hours of the evening or night when lying in bed. The uneasiness and discomfort internally cause them to constantly move on the bed with restlessness physically or externally.

Causticum

Common name: Tinctura acris sine kali

Causticum is especially suited to people who have a weird twitching sensation in the legs with extreme heaviness and pulling sensation of the nerves. They have a desire to move their legs constantly with a great tendency to move and walk. There is a drawing and pulling sensation of nerves during sleep. The patient feels better with movement and finds relief in walking.

Arsenicum album

Common name: White oxide of metallic arsenic

Ars. alb. is suggested in cases of restless leg syndrome which is worsened at night. There is a great desire to move from one place to another to get relief. Apart from this, there is marked restlessness in mind with the inability to focus and a constant desire to move the legs. This remedy is especially suited in cases of physical restlessness of legs with emotional unrest.

Argentum nitricum

Common name: Silver nitrate

Arg. nit. is recommended for restless leg syndrome with weakness and stiffness of the leg muscles. The patient feels numb due to lack of blood circulation which leads to constant desire to move the legs. They are highly anxious and restless, which is associated with extreme fear and panic attacks. It is considered effective in RLS arising due to anxiety and nervousness.

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Causative factors of restless leg syndrome

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Aging
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Nutritional and vitamin deficiencies
  • Low iron levels
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Addictions like alcohol and smoking
  • Long-term medications
  • Chronic illness like depression or high blood pressure
  • Hormonal issues like thyroid disorder
  • Pregnancy or menopause
  • Cardiac or kidney issues

Symptoms of restless leg syndrome

  • Constant moving of legs
  • Stiffness or cramps in legs
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Crawling and pulling of lower legs
  • Restlessness
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Disturbed sleep with tossing on the bed
  • Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
  • Unable to sit still
  • Lack of concentration
  • Lack of focus

Treatment options for restless leg syndrome

  • Medicines such as dopaminergic agents help reduce restlessness and promote relaxation. Muscle relaxants like benzodiazepines help to reduce stress and sleep better.
  • Painkillers can help to avoid strange sensations and crampy pain.
  • Anticonvulsants help reduce sensory loss.
  • Vitamin supplements help correct nutrient deficiency.
  • Psychotherapy can help boost the mind to reduce associated anxiety and restlessness.
  • Stress-managing techniques with acupuncture and other therapies can work in reducing stress levels effectively.

Lifestyle modifications for restless leg syndrome

  • Avoid sitting in one place for long periods. If you are dealing with restless leg syndrome, it is important to take short breaks every hour for around 2-3 mins.
  • Ensure exercising daily or go for regular walks. Sweating helps reduce anxiety and prevent restlessness.
  • Relaxation with yoga and meditation can help improve control of the legs to prevent restlessness and avoid the strong desire to move the legs continuously.
  • Destressing is a must with regular massage of the leg. Relaxing techniques with aromatherapy can work great to prevent restlessness.
  • Staying occupied at work can shift your attention from the restless feeling of the legs.
  • Using cold and heat pads can help in relaxing legs allowing you to improve blood circulation.
  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule for sound sleep.
  • Avoid caffeine intake. If you are addicted to coffee or tea, switch over to healthy options such as green tea, coconut water, or decaffeinated tea/coffee.
  • Avoid stimulant dependencies such as alcohol, smoking, and tobacco
  • Consume a healthy diet in the form of fruits and veggies which are high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Drink plenty of water and keep your hydration levels adequate.
  • Consume protein-rich foods such as paneer, tofu, eggs, and lean meat to improve muscle mass of the legs which adds strength to the lower extremities.
  • You can also do some stretching exercises for the body which is a great way to prevent restless leg syndrome.
  • Take a hot shower bath before you hit the bed allowing you to relax your senses.
  • Ensure to check the nutritional values regularly through routine blood tests to correct any kind of vitamin deficiencies. Check for iron, vitamin, or mineral deficiencies if any. It is important to check for vitamin D and B12 levels. Maintaining optimum vitamin levels through correct supplementation is a must to reduce the symptoms of RLS.

Conclusion

Restless leg syndrome can affect any age group at any time of their life. Identifying restless leg syndrome at an early stage is a must. Taking the right action to address it is equally important before it gets complicated. Adapting lifestyle changes with homeopathy can work wonders in alleviating symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

References

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