Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs syndrome is when the patient moves his legs for no reason. Past victims say they have an awkward sensation in the legs, sometimes described as a cranking or creeping feeling, which forces them to move. The sensation has been likened to having an itch that needs to be scratched—somehow, this unsympathetic leg sensation needs that the legs be moved. Many people have testified that the problem is a bit worse or only felt when resting in the evening or when in bed.

 American Family Physician published an article on Restless Legs syndrome (American Family Physician, Volume 62, No. 1, pp 108-114). The article defined some known agents of restless legs (such as uremia, iron deficiency, pregnancy, and drug side effects). It said, “Although a lot of non-pharmacologic treatments have been reported to be helpful by patients, there is no scientific fact to back up these claims that they are useful in the treatment of restless legs syndrome.” Evidently, since there is “no scientific fact” to support these non-pharmacologic solutions, the only treatments shown in the write-up are pharmacologic, that is, conventional drugs. And most of the drugs enlisted for treatment have probable harmful effects worse than the disorder they are being used for.

Restless legs syndrome symptoms.

RLS is mainly considered to be a sensory problem. People describe their confused, hazy feelings with a variety of descriptive words. The same person may frequently experience a variety of different kinds of pain.

Nevertheless, one thing that unites all different experiences is the intense urge to keep moving one’s legs.

Uncomfortable feelings:

• Aching
• Burning
• Crawling
• Creeping
• Tugging Itching
• Pulling
• Tingling

The symptoms listed above are some that accurately convey how RLS sufferers feel. Typically, these feelings originate deep inside the muscles. Sometimes even the arms might exhibit unpleasant sensations. However, they tend to be more prevalent in the legs and thighs. They typically happen when a person sits still for extended periods:

• Watching television while seated.
• Knits and reads books and takes lengthy vehicle trips.
• Does breathing exercises while watching a movie in a theater.
• Immobilization techniques include bed rest, casts for broken bones, etc.

RLS can cause sleeplessness, increased daytime drowsiness, and exhaustion in sufferers and those who share their beds! Many people discover their symptoms disappear by morning and are barely perceptible by day’s end. Typically, symptoms worsen just before falling asleep at night.

RLS can begin at any time in life and becomes more prevalent as we age. For different people, frequency and intensities vary. The person first ignores minor symptoms. When symptoms start later, they usually get worse faster.

The symptoms may appear once or twice a week at first. Later, it can happen more frequently and interfere with the person’s regular activities. As a result, although some people only experience RLS at night, others deal with it all day.

Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made the diagnostic standards available. When the following conditions exist, RLS is diagnosed in a person:

• A want to stand up, alone or in conjunction with other feelings.
• Worsening at rest; partially or entirely relieved by activity.
• Getting worse in the evening or at night.

Additional details that your doctor would want to know are:

• Snore when you sleep?
• Does anyone else in the family experience the same issues?
• Do you struggle to stay awake throughout the day?
• Do your symptoms keep you up at night?
• What types of self-medication do you take?
• Do you find it difficult to focus?
• Do you overindulge in wine, coffee, or tobacco? Do any of these cause your symptoms to worsen?

There are no tests available right now to identify RLS.

Diagnosing primary RLS is only possible once all secondary RLS scenarios have been ruled out.

It is necessary to do both physical examinations and laboratory studies:

1. To rule out anemia and its causes, complete the blood count.
2. Levels of blood sugar.
3. Tests to rule out kidney (renal) conditions.
4. Tests to check for vitamin and other mineral deficits.

Homeopathic Medicine

This brings us to the exceptional science of homeopathy. Considering the whole patient instead of only one symptom, it has been established that individual treatment stimulates the body to heal the disorder above. This can be achieved even if the inherent disorder can’t be diagnosed. The human body can heal itself most of the time, and our assignment is to work assiduously with that natural healing capability anytime possible.

     Several protocols of homeopathic remedies have been utilized to help patients with restless legs disorder. Only one or two of these remedies can help a single patient. Hence, Restless Legs is a situation that may need the help of a certified homeopath to provide a helpful solution for an individual patient.

Homeopathic Remedies for the RLS   

Here are some of the most common remedies which might be suggested for patients with restless legs. Endeavor to select a remedy that generally matches the features of the patient. Always remember that while this condition may need professional homeopathic help for optimal results, it is advised to try self-treatment.

1. Arsenicum album: restlessness in the lower limbs, must move feet continuously or move about, cannot lie down unmoved at night. Generally, they are debilitated, exhausted, and restless. Often worse in the nighttime. The patient tends to be uneasy, maybe obsessive regarding order and tidiness.
2. Causticum: uneasiness in the legs at night. Knee joints mostly crack easily and frequently. Often indisposed to sweets but wanting smoked foods.

Interestingly, these patients tend to be sublime, are sensitive to change, and cannot accept injustice. They are very sympathetic people. They often have a heart of gold. Often have a weak bladder.

3. Ferrum metallicum: The restless limbs may result from pains that force the part to be moved. Often with a universal restlessness that takes them out of bed. Maybe fiercely sensitive to slight noises or irritation. The face often gushes red quickly.
4. Lycopodium: Often affiliated with digestive issues (flatulence, quick fullness when eating, intolerance to beans). Problems tend to be on the right side most times. Often disastrous in general (fatigue, etc.) around 4–8 pm. Those patients love warm foods and drinks.
5. Magnesium carbonate: uneasiness in limbs, especially after sitting for an extended period. Restlessness may make them sleepless. It may have a sullen body odor. Leans towards a sour stomach. The patient often loves meat.
6. Rhus Toxicodendron: continuous need to move legs, preventing sleep. Often has pains worse on the first leg movement, then better with subsequent movement. The patient tends to have great uneasiness and restlessness, especially at night, and often loves cold milk. The patient feels worse with storms but loves heat more.
7. Tarentula hispanica: Utmost restlessness, often with twitching and jerking. The patient love being occupied and busy. He knows music and rubbing well.
8. Zincum Metallicum: twitchy feet, must consistently move them. The patient may have nipping and jerking, often in a depressed, exhausted state, and often worse after dinner.

Alternatively, one of the most powerful solutions is preventative: exercise. According to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, people with Restless Legs disorder who go through exercise reported a reduction in symptoms of around 40 percent.

The exercise doesn’t have to be too strong, and you don’t have to stress yourself too much. Walking, jogging, or any other type of fitness will aid your legs and boost your chances of sleeping well.

Yoga, in specific, has been shown to have benefited a lot of people with Restless Legs syndrome. According to previous research, women who are patients of Restless Legs that go through yoga reported better moods and increased sleep.

You can make many home therapies and lifestyle adaptations to help you fight off restless legs. Ensure you work with your doctor before using supplements or making any changes.

Homeopathic Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome in Philadelphia

Dr. Tsan, Medical Director of the Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic, has extended clinical experience in homeopathy. During his medical career, he had hundreds of patients suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome. In many cases, he could either cure or significantly improve the symptoms of the ailment.