Harvard Health Publishing And 3 Other Doctors Answer: How Can We Prevent Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless Legs Syndrome image

Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling

M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA

Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes a powerful urge to move the legs, often worse at night. There is often an unpleasant itching, crawling or creeping sensation. There is no known, reliable way to prevent restless legs syndrome. However, treating risk factors or triggers for the condition (such as iron deficiency) may prevent severe symptoms. If the condition developed during pregnancy, delivery may prevent ongoing symptoms. When a cause or trigger cannot be identified, there are ways to reduce symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. These include: • Stretching, massage, heat (as with a hot shower before bed) • Reducing or eliminating caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol • Getting regular exercise • Not smoking • Getting plenty of sleep • Not taking medications that worsen symptoms – check with your doctor about all medications you take, including one that are over-the-counter • Taking a medication for restless legs syndrome as recommended by your healthcare provider

→ Learn more about restless legs syndrome: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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Answered by Dr. Anet Varghese

Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience · India

Some of the home remedies for RLS includes reducing or eliminating your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, strive for a regular sleep schedule, with the same bedtime and wake-up time every day of the week, get some exercise every day, such as walking or swimming, mssage or stretch your leg muscles in the evening, practice yoga and meditation techniques, follow a healthy balanced diet, etc. Some cases of RLS are believed to be inherited. Some cases have been linked with nerve damage in the legs from diabetes, kidney problems, iron deficiency, certain medicines, pregnancy, sleep disorders, and alcoholism. In that case, consult your physician and he will prescribe you medications to treat the underlying causes.

Answered by Dr. Sarath Chandr Rellu

MBBS · 2 years of experience · India

Making lifestyle changes can help decrease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Try warm baths and massages, which can relax the muscles of the legs. Apply warm or cool packs. Establish good sleep hygiene since fatigue tends to worsen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Getting moderate regular exercise relieves the symptoms, but overdoing it or working too late in the day may intensify symptoms. Avoid caffeine and caffeine containing products. Consider using a foot wrap, which is specially designed for the people with RLS, puts pressure under the foot and may decrease the symptoms also.

→ Learn more about restless legs syndrome: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to restless legs syndrome.

Answered by Dr. Marcella Abunahman Pereira

Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil

Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens when you’re at rest, sitting or lying down. To prevent this syndrome, you should exercise regularly, avoid caffeine, do activities that manage stress and treat diseases that are related to this syndrome such peripheral neuropathy, iron deficiency and kidney failure.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.