Quieting Restless Legs

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

ROCHESTER, Minn. — It's a jittery, tingling, burning or aching feeling in your lower legs or thighs. It makes you want to stretch, jiggle, pace the floor or exercise to get rid of it.

It could be restless legs syndrome (RLS), a lifelong condition that can come and go, and may worsen with age. Although RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from bothersome to incapacitating.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce mild to moderate symptoms. The April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers options:

* Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

* Get regular exercise during the day. Stretching your legs can relieve symptoms.

* Use relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.

* Soak in a warm tub and massage your legs to relax the muscles.

* Establish good sleep habits, with consistent times to retire and awaken. Fatigue tends to worsen symptoms of RLS, so it's important to try to get enough sleep.

If symptoms aren't controlled by lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest medications. Drugs for Parkinson's and epilepsy as well as opioids and sedatives can be used. It may take several tries to find the right combination and dosages of medications.

The above article is from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource attribution is required. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

Erik Kaldor — Jacksonville — 904-953-2299

Lynn Closway — Scottsdale — 480-301-4337

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