Those of you who have been feeling a bit shy to admit that you can't stop shaking your legs can now rest easy. There is a treatment for restless legs syndrome and you won't have to hide your problem anymore! It is understandable that some people might be afraid to admit that they suffer from restless leg syndrome or RLS. It is probably the result of a misperception that these symptoms are unusual or abnormal. Actually , this is largely untrue. RLS affects many people and is actually quite common. Not only is there nothing to be ashamed about, there is now a treatment to cure this problem.



There are actually several options available for people attempting to alleviate this problem. First, find a healthcare provider to treat your RLS. There is a Healthcare Provider Directory that has been developed for your needs and it is provided by the RLS Foundation. This directory provides a complete a listing of those medical practitioners who have expressed their interest in treating RLS patients. The Foundation, however, does not endorse any of these providers. It is up to you to decide which doctor you would like to see. Second, there are support groups who are devoted to assisting RLS patients and the members are very familiar with the names and contact numbers of healthcare providers in your specific area. If you are interested, you may visit a Support Group Directory online and find the group closest to you. The third option is in the hands of your local medical society. You may ask your local healthcare provider to give you a referral to the best doctors who specialize in treating RLS. This may be a sleep specialist or a neurologist. Restless legs syndrome, RLS, is a sensory motor neurological movement disorder which affects about 12-15 million Americans. Your brain is the primary factor in the development of this condition and only very few healthcare providers really know the details of this syndrome.

One of the most frequently asked questions among concerned individuals is "What are the treatment options for RLS?" Both medication and non-drug treatments are strongly recommended. From the medical point of view, the FDA takes part in the regulation of medicated drugs for those who suffer from RLS. On May 5, 2005, the FDA was able to approve Ropinirole to be the first drug for treatment of restless legs syndrome. In 2006, the FDA also approved Pramipexole. Later on, it was also found that there are four other major classes of drugs which were clinically proven to help in the treatment of RLS symptoms. These drugs were the dopaminergic agents, sedatives, anticonvulsants and pain relievers. Prior to using these drugs, however, one must consult a physician since there are other things your doctor might want to consider while trying to help you go through your treatment.

In addition to these medications, there are other things you can consider when dealing with RLS. A self-help approach is sometimes taken for granted but can be the most successful way to eliminate the symptoms. Healthcare practitioners and even specialists strongly suggest that you be responsible in checking your own state of health. For example, if there is an underlying iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency, it is up to you to go to a doctor and get this checked out. It is widely known, among the medical field, that iron deficiencies in humans are an essential cofactor in the development of RLS. Also, it is vital to look at the medications you may be taking at present. Drugs which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions, nausea, colds, allergies and depression can complicate and worsen RLS.

A change in your lifestyle such as eliminating nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol intake are a great help in maintaining a well balanced and healthy state. Determining the most appropriate and best exercise like walking, stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massaging, acupressure or relaxation techniques can also be part of this lifestyle change. Once you get started on these treatments, you are sure to find a cure and to begin living a better life.