This is a surprisingly common condition, characterized by aching, pain, twitching, pins and needles, and a burning sensation in legs. It tends to be worse at night and after prolonged sitting, and is generally relieved by movement. The cause of this syndrome is not known, although evidence points to a possible iron deficiency, especially in women, and reduced circulation to the nerves of the muscle fibers of the legs. Restless legs syndrome is more common in pregnancy, middle age, smokers, and those with a high caffeine intake.

Treatment

Exercise, including walking, cycling, and swimming, will improve circulation. Self-massage may help to discourage attacks.

Diet and Nutrition

Increase your intake of iron-rich foods, including dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, poultry, fish, parsley, apricots, pumpkin seeds, and red meats. There is some evidence that vitamin E has a therapeutic effect, and foods rich in this vitamin include vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, and wheat germ. Avoid tea within two hours of meals (it inhibits the absorption of iron), and reduce consumption of coffee, cola, and chocolate. Nat. sulf. (a biochemic tissue salt) may be suggested by your nutritionist. A good multivitamin and mineral supplement, including especially vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, should be taken as preventive treatment.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture Treatment will be aimed at all points of the leg, and at energy balance.

Herbal Medicine All treatment is individually tailored, and will be constitutional but one of the following herbs, taken as teas, may be suggested: valerian, verbena, ginger, oats, limeflower, and horse chestnut.

Homeopathy Until constitutional treatment is received, try Causticum 30c, and Zinc 6c. Osteopathy Your osteopath will improve body mechanics, and nerve and blood flow. Massage Deep massage, massage for relaxation, rolfing, and shiatsu are all appropriate for treating this syndrome, providing symptomatic relief and frequently curing it completely.

Foot Problems

There are a large number of bones and muscles in the feet, and there are, subsequently, a correspondingly large number of complaints that can affect them. Injury, sprains, poor posture arthritis are responsible for the majority of foot problems, causing pain and dysfunction in the ankle, with subsequent difficulty in walking.