- Health A to Z
Treatment
There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.
Treatment is aimed at reducing stress and helping the muscles relax. Warm baths, gentle stretching exercises, massage or similar techniques may help.
Low doses of pramipexole or ropinirole (Requip) have been found to be very effective in controlling symptoms in some people. If sleep is severely disrupted, medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication), gabapentin and pregabalin, or tranquilizers such as clonazepam may be prescribed, but they may cause daytime sleepiness.
Patients with iron deficiency will receive iron supplements.
Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Expectations (prognosis)
Restless leg syndrome is not dangerous or life-threatening and does not indicate a serious disorder. It can be uncomfortable and can disrupt sleep.
Complications
Insomnia may occur.
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of restless leg syndrome are present and sleep is disrupted.
Prevention
Techniques to promote muscle relaxation and stress reduction may reduce the incidence of restless leg syndrome in people prone to the condition.
References
Bayard M, Avonda T, Wadzinski J., Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jul 15;78(2):243
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007
Kushida CA. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and quality of life issues in restless legs syndrome. Am J Med. January 2007;120(1 Suppl 1):S4-S12.
 |
Reviewer Info: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery and Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 09/08/2008 |
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy