Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that is believed to affect between 5% and 10% of the world’s population. It creates a strong, often irresistible sensation in the legs that makes you want to move them while they are resting and if left untreated, it can have a significant negative impact on the quality of your life. The good news is that most of the time, a few small but positive changes to your lifestyle can treat restless leg syndrome. In this article I’m going to be outlining the positive steps you can take to treat this disorder.

1) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat a wide range of ailments since ancient times. It involves inserting needles into certain points of the skin to relieve pain and reduce the negative symptoms of various disorders. The good news is that it can reduce the severity of restless leg syndrome with this study published in Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion in 2008 suggesting it has a therapeutic effect on the disorder.

2) Hot Baths

Many people who suffer from restless leg syndrome find that soaking their legs in a hot bath helps minimize the symptoms. Hot baths are particularly effective just before bed, so if your restless leg syndrome tends to flare up during the night, a soak in a warm tub could give you the relief you need.

3) Hot & Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy has a similar effect to hot baths and is a great way to quickly relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. It involves applying a hot or cold compress to the affected part of your legs until the symptoms subside.

4) Leg Massage

Massaging the legs is another effective way to reduce the severity of restless leg syndrome with this study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in 2007 finding that just two 45 minute sessions is enough to have a positive effect on this disorder. The study also found that further massage sessions continued to improve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

5) Reading

Reading may sound like an odd solution for restless leg syndrome. However, many people have found that the mental stimulation takes their mind off the negative symptoms and reduces the severity of restless leg syndrome.

6) Relaxation Techniques

Stress often triggers restless leg syndrome and makes the symptoms worse. The good news is that by practicing relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing exercises and mediation) on a regular basis, you can lower your overall stress levels and minimize the impact stress has on your restless leg syndrome.

7) Quality Sleep

Fatigue is another factor that can aggravate restless leg syndrome and make the symptoms flare up. Therefore, if you’re currently not getting as much sleep as you should be, start making the effort to get more. Many people who suffer from restless leg syndrome find that sticking to a sleep cycle and sleeping at the same time each night, significantly improves the amount and quality of the sleep that they get which in turn has a positive impact on their restless leg syndrome.

Summary

If you’re suffering from restless leg syndrome, I hope these positive lifestyle choices help you deal with the symptoms. When combined with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine, they can be highly effective and allow you to treat your restless leg syndrome for good.