Savvy Senior: How to manage restless leg syndrome

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: What can you tell me about restless leg syndrome?

I’m 58 years old, and frequently have jerky, uncontrollable urges to move my legs, accompanied by a tingling sensation, and it keeps me awake.

— Jumpy John

DEAR JOHN: If an irresistible urge to move your legs has you kicking in your sleep, then chances are pretty good you have restless leg syndrome, a condition that affects 7 to 10 percent of Americans.

Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a nervous system problem that causes uncomfortable sensations (often described as a creepy-crawly feeling, tingling, itching, throbbing, pulling or aching) and an irresistible urge to move one or both legs while you’re sitting or lying down, and the symptoms usually get worse with age. It typically happens in the evenings or nights while resting. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.

While it is not life threatening, the main problem, other than it being uncomfortable and annoying, is that it disrupts sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and even depression.

The causes are not known, but researchers suspect it could be linked to iron deficiency, an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine and genetics — about 60 percent of patients have a family member with the condition.

While there’s no cure, you can alleviate symptoms. Some people turn to medications like gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), an anticonvulsant, and dopamine agonists ropinirole (Requip), rotigotine (Neupro) and pramipexole (Mirapex). But be aware these drugs have side effects including nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue and insomnia. Medications can provide short-term relief, but they can make symptoms worse in people who use them long term.

Consider natural treatments first, which are very effective for most people.

>> Iron: Check your iron levels. Iron deficiency is believed to be one of the major contributors to the syndrome, so make an appointment with your doctor and get a blood test. If you test positive for iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend iron supplements.

>> Exercise: Getting moderate, regular exercise like walking, cycling, water aerobics and yoga can relieve symptoms, but overdoing it or exercising late in the day may intensify them. Daily leg stretches — include calf, hamstring, quadriceps and hip flexor stretches — are also helpful.

>> Medications: Certain drugs including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants and cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines can make symptoms worse. If you take these, talk to your doctor.

>> Avoid triggers: Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and refined sugar can make symptoms worse.

>> Possible remedies: Soaking in a hot bathtub and massaging your legs can relieve symptoms, as can applying a hot pad and/or ice pack to your legs. Pressure can also help, so consider wearing compression socks or stockings. There’s also a new non-drug FDA approved vibrating pad on the market called Relaxis that may provide relief.