Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

The goals of treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) are to relieve symptoms, increase the amount and quality of sleep, and treat or correct any underlying condition that may be the cause of restless legs syndrome. The main types of treatment for RLS include lifestyle changes and medications.

 

Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome: An Introduction

The goals of treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) are to:
 
  • Relieve symptoms
  • Increase the amount and quality of sleep
  • Treat or correct any underlying condition that may be a cause of restless legs syndrome.
 
(Click Restless Legs Syndrome Causes for more information.)
 
Types of treatment for restless legs syndrome include lifestyle changes and medications.
 
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome: Lifestyle Changes
Treatment for restless legs syndrome will include lifestyle changes, which can improve and relieve RLS symptoms. Lifestyle changes that may help include:
 
  • Avoiding things that can make symptoms of RLS worse, such as tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Medications that can make symptoms worse include antidepressants, antinausea medicines, antipsychotic medicines, and antihistamines.
 
 
  • Following a program of moderate exercise.
 
  • Engaging in activities such as walking or stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massaging the leg or arm, and using heat or ice packs.
 
  • Taking an iron supplement. Iron supplements should only be used if recommended by a doctor.
(Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD