Q. Do you have a product or suggestion to treat or help the RLS? It is causing some sleep issues. The doctor has put me on 0.125 mg of Mirapex. I would prefer somthing with less side effects etc.

A. One definition of RLS is “…a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings.”

That comes from the National Institutes of Health. Most people find the symptoms to be less noticeable during the day and more pronounced in the evening or at night, especially during the onset of sleep. For many people, the symptoms disappear by early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time. Other triggering situations are periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long-distance flights, immobilization in a cast, or relaxation exercises.

That’s good to know, but how can it be treated – or at least controlled? Since the government has officially recognized RLS as a “real disease”  the only “legitimate” approach to a cure is to use drugs.  While that MIGHT dampen the symptoms it doesn’t seem to get after the root CAUSE of the discomfort. I would like to know WHY this develops and WHAT steps can be taken to resolve it.

People with low iron levels or anemia may be prone to developing RLS. Once iron levels or anemia is corrected, patients may see a reduction in symptoms.  Men usually don’t have low iron levels unless they are suffering from some bleeding disorder.

Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy are associated with RLS. Treating the underlying condition often provides relief from RLS symptoms. I’ll presume that these situations don’t apply.

Some pregnant women experience RLS, especially in their last trimester. For most of these women, symptoms usually disappear within 4 weeks after delivery. This might seem irrelevant, but the fact that the RLS in pregnancy is associated with the last trimester – when estrogen levels are highest – might be one clue in approaching the symptoms. Men can convert testosterone to estrogen, particularly if they are packing a few extra pounds. To evaluate this more carefully would require some hormone testing. It might be something to look at after other approaches have been tried.

Certain medications-such as antinausea drugs (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), antiseizure drugs (phenytoin or droperidol), antipsychotic drugs (haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), and some cold and allergy medications-may aggravate symptoms. Patients can talk with their physicians about the possibility of changing medications.

Researchers also have found that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may aggravate or trigger symptoms in patients who are predisposed to develop RLS. Some studies have shown that a reduction or complete elimination of such substances may relieve symptoms, although it remains unclear whether elimination of such substances can prevent RLS symptoms from occurring at all.

Let’s get this broken down to a couple of manageable points.

• One, it is said to be neurological. The B vitamins are absolutely vital for maintain positive neurological activity. You may want to look into using a daily B-Complex vitamin, one that supplies at least 50mg of the most common B vitamins(We stock a brand called Super B 50). I’d think that if vitamin shortage is part of the reason for the RLS you would use one dose of B50 twice daily. It will make your urine bright yellow. Some people think that means they’re wasting their money on expensive urine. I think just the opposite – it shows that a person is actually absorbing the vitamins and they are being distributed throughout the body - and then discarded in the urine.
• Two, notice the statement that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can aggravate or trigger the RLS. How? Those three substances – and others, of course – deplete B vitamins. Even  tiny amounts of caffeine can impede the utilization of B vitamins. Again, We’re back at the vitamins.

I’d not be surprised that you could get some relief – without drugs – if you start doing things that will increase your B vitamin levels.

There is one vital B vitamin that is not absorbed well when take by mouth, vitamin B12. The most efficient B12 (for nerve problems) is one referred to as methylcobalamin. It is commonly prescribed to people with MS. It must be injected – usually once a week. The dose ranges from 1,000mcg to 5,000mcg (and even higher for people with severe problems). I distinctly recall local doctors who would inject B12 in their patients – usually weekly – in their offices. Then they discovered that people can quickly learn to do the injections themselves.

Of course, I haven’t touched on all the possible causes for RLS – and the ways to combat the symptoms, but this should give you a start (other approaches might include exercise, massage, or even special surgical stockings).

Modern doctors are usually NOT INCLINED to search for causes and find treatments that prevent the symptoms. It is so much easier to take lessons from the latest drug representative and write a prescription. There are doctors who will want to help – they usually have DO after their name, not MD. There are also alternative health practitioners that can help. Personally, I visit a acupuncturist for knee pain. She does a good job and I have a lot of my functioning back – without using any drugs.

Searching takes time but I’d wager that you’d be most happy with the results.