The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Trigger Point Therapy
Posted by Trish (Tri Cities, Washington) on 05/06/2012
★★★★★
I've had RLS for quite awhile and have started using Trigger Point Therapy for the last couple of years. I sometimes have to work at it a little while, but I eventually find the trigger Point that is causing the symptoms in that particular leg. After I have massaged it the RLS symptoms slowly go away and my leg quits twitching. I know I have found the right spot because it will trigger the twitch in my leg untill it is massaged. I seem to mostly find the trigger points are in my hips and/or lower back. You can find the books and videos online that can show you how. Hope this helps it sure has me.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Doc (Youngstown, Florida) on 03/31/2012
★★★★★
I have never tried Ivory soap, but have found that Dial (gold) or Leaver Brothers 2000 (green) works really well. They were the ones recommended by my vascular physician. I unwrap the soap and place it in a clean, somewhat thin cotton sock. It is easy to smell the soap and know when it is time to change bars. Be very careful taking additional magnesium without also taking calcium. If the magnesium/calcium ratio becomes out of balance, the result may be jerking muscles in the shoulders, etc. which can make sleep difficult.
Magnesium
Posted by Mia B (Slough, Berkshire Uk) on 02/01/2012
★★★★★
Hi all, firstly... Terrific site! .... I have been suffering from painful feet for over 6 years, also from painful legs, especially painful after about 15 mins after getting into bed.. I originally thought that this was all the same ailment.... I must say that when I go on my low carb protein diet, the pains seem to subside within a few days... After many years, I have deducted that the joint pains in my feet, hands and knees are arthritic and are brought on by wheat.. I have yo-yo'd and proved this to myself... Within hours or days of eating wheat, my ankles and wrists swell with water retention and then my feet /joints start to ache... Negative for coeliac! ... The pain in my legs is quite separate I think and fits RLS exactly... I am glad I have found the cause... I thought I was going mad as it's very hard to describe to anyone... I have to take a co-codamol every night just to be able to sleep.
Anyway, I have read all the threads on this and as I cant get hold of the ivory soap in uk, I read the ingredients and the thread above and wondered if it was the magnesium.... And whether it had anything to do with the power being emitted or being absorbed by the body... Tonight I had a very bad case of rls and was generally tired.... I dreaded the night ahead.... I took a hot bath with epsom salts and went to bed with work to do on laptop.... My legs started to tingle after awhile but only mildly... I then put some epsom salts in a little mesh bag I had and put it under my feet and my co codamols at the ready..... That was over 2 hours ago... haven't had any pain, my legs haven't had to be moved, and I am surprised I haven't had to take my meds!!! ...
I will continue every night to see what worked... The hot bath or epsom salt bag... But definitely seems to be the magnesium... The rls seems to have eased and the throbbing pain is gone.. But joints are still a bit stiff in the hands but that's the wheat and grains at work!!
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Piper (Nashua, Nh) on 01/29/2012
★★★★★
I've had RSL for over five years now... Beginning when I turned 45. No remedies have worked until I heard from a visiting neighbor's friend that putting an unwrapped bar of soap under the top sheet at the foot of the bed reduces the episodes and for some people, even eliminates it. I tried it with a bar of goat's milk soap (no reason) and NO kicking! I don't know why it works; perhaps, it's the aroma of certain ingredients - I don't know, but I'm glad I finally found something other than drugs!
Hot Shower, Massage
Posted by Colin (Ajax, Ontario/canada) on 01/19/2012
★★★★★
For my RLS treatment, I usually take a very warm shower, and then I massage my legs to the sole of foot bottom for about fifteen minutes and with this procedure I do get a good night rest.
Iron
Posted by Kathi (Everett, Wa, United States) on 01/16/2012
★★★★★
I used to have RLS as well and it was caused by my severe anemia. Once I was no longer anemic, there was never an issue with RLS again! I used wheat grass powder daily to build up my blood again. Give it a try.
Zinc
Posted by D (Asheville, Nc) on 01/15/2012
★★★★★
I have food allergies and have Restless Leg Syndrome in the evening as well as at night in bed. I also have insomnia. What works for both my insomnia (even when the legs aren't restless) and for the RLS is zinc supplement before bed. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and need to take it again. Since I take it almost everyday, I only take as much as I need and try not to take more than that.
The different kinds that work for me, are zinc chelate, monomethionine zinc, zinc gluconate, combination of zinc arginate and zinc glycinate. But two zincs that work quickest for me are in liquid form: Monoatomic zinc liquid and zinc sulphate liquid. Supposedly one has to take some copper to balance the zinc or you could get a copper deficiency. I take the other minerals and all the trace minerals as well for the same reason.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Sherri (Houston, Tx) on 01/03/2012
★☆☆☆☆
The bar of soap didn't work for me either. I try not to drink caffeine in the afternoon, and get plenty of water intake. I'll try the niacin. The best thing I've found, is "Restful Legs" a homeopathic remedy that you put under your tongue. It lets me get back to sleep in 10 minutes. If I run out, I drink a large glass of water, and that will help. But then you might wake up to go to the bathroom. It's very frustrating!
Homeopathy
Posted by Megan (Sydney, Australia) on 12/27/2011
★★★★★
I want to share a remedy I have found for Restless Legs Syndrome. 'Restless Legs Relief' is a homeopathic remedy found in Health food stores. I spray 4 squirts under my tongue and no restless legs anymore. What a relief, as continually having to move my legs around was stopping me sleeping. I had tried the bar of soap remedy to no avail. Hope this helps!!
Iron, Vitamin C
Posted by Bk (Upper Marlboro, Md, Usa) on 12/24/2011
★★★★★
I suffered from sleep disorder (jumping up from sleep) for quite a while until recently. Two years ago I saw on TV a story about how Iron supplement has been shown to relieve 'restless leg syndrome'. From my little bit of scientific knowledge, I put two and two together; my symptoms were neurological and so is restless leg syndrome. So, I decided to try Iron supplements. It worked instantly. I started sleeping like a baby each night I take Iron.
I had also made the connection earlier to vitamin C and alcohol. Every time I drink alcohol, I get severe episodes. When I take vitamin C immediately afterwards it alleviated the symptoms. So I figured out that alcohol must be washing away vital nutrients such as vitamins from the body, which makes sense, because alcohol is a natural solvent. Now I take both vitamin C and Iron supplement before bedtime, and I sleep very well with no episodes.
I have no doubt that these nutrients support the electrical/neurological functions of the brain, diaphragm, throat muscles, as well as sensitivity to chemicals which cause mucous oversecretion. Apple cidar vinegar, which another contributor mentioned works because it is loaded with vitamin C.
Remember, for this to work well you have to play with or adjust the dosage to find the right one for you. Vitamin C can be tolerated in high doses by most people but watch your Iron intake very carefully.
By the way, it was very helpful to read all the previous contributions. Now I can join the dots.
God bless you all.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sal (Fresno, Ca) on 12/04/2011
★★★★★
I've been struggling with RLS for the last 4 years and have found various things that have helped. At this point, after trying various things and reading a lot about it, I've concluded that RLS has to do with minerals/vitamins deficiency and mainly lack of iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium combination. I would recommend a healthy diet with the following additions that has really helped me:
1) Cream of wheat: eat this cereal, this is high in iron and calcium
2) Munch on pumpkin seeds: high in magnesium and other minerals
3) Drink mineral water for a few days
These will stop RLS. This is what I'm focusing right now and has stopped my RLS.
Other things that have helped me in the past:
1) warm water with 2 spoons of apple cider vinegar and honey before sleep
2) ivory soap has helped too
3) Cutting down on sodium if the intake is high
4) Eating banana (high in potassium)
Don't feel defeated with RLS, you can cure it over time. My RLS comes irregularly, so the body must be ok for a while and then all of a sudden, the minerals get depleted and then you need to boost the levels of these essential minerals and vitamins.
Hope this helps. Take care.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Rigger (Newtown, Ct) on 11/28/2011
I have had RLS for about 5 years, so bad that the prescription medicine doesn't even work well. There are different levels of RLS, with mine being really bad, I have tried alot of things, including a bar' of soap. For me it didn't touch it, but what has worked is a combination of magnesium glucimate (take as much as you can, until your body tells you it is enough - don't worry, you will know!) it really works! I also use a oil that is rubbed on my lower back and the area that is acting up at the time, it is called 'Night Time leg calm' from Natures Inventory. This too has been fantastic, it doesn't make it go away for good, but it allows me to rest and to sleep. I also have just discovered that my problem with RLS might be my sciatic nerve.... will keep you posted.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 11/23/2011
Sorry I mean I take coconut oil, drink it, eat it, on food any way, it stops my restless legs and has been for a few months now.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Diana (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) on 11/23/2011
What do you mean you started using coconut oil? Rubbing it on the legs or taking it orally?
Hydration
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 11/02/2011
Since I told you about water for RLS I have found that coconut oil stops the RLS. I take 2 tablespoons a day and it stops the RLS.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc ) on 11/02/2011
★★★★★
Coconut oil for my RLS [restless leg syndrome]
For 25 years I have had RLS, I used drugs for it every night. When I started using coconut oil the RLS stoped, I haven't taken the drugs in a month now, and am so glad to rid of them. I can still feel them coming on of the RLS if I don't take enough coconut oil so I just take some more and I'm good.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Posted by Kim (Winnipeg, Manitoba) on 10/30/2011
How about splenda?
Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium; Alkaline Diet
Posted by Andoy (Boise, Id) on 09/22/2011
Looks like this a problem of too much acidity.
Homeopathy
Posted by Lee (New York, Usa) on 08/15/2011
Thank you Janet from Kendal, UK for your imput. I have tried tonic water and as with all the other remedies I've tried, acv, baking soda etc, I only get about 1 1/2 - 2 hours of some relief and then I'm up again. As an update on the Restful Legs remedy... It works sometimes and not as well at other times. I'm now trying it with the other remedies, tonic water, acv, baking soda, etc. I had blood test to see if I'm deficient in anything but I'm not. Many thanks to all who contribute to this site!
Homeopathy
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 08/10/2011
Have you tried quinine for restless legs available much cheaper in tonic water a lot of other benefits too.
Homeopathy
Posted by Lee (New York) on 08/09/2011
★★★★★
I have had restless leg syndrome for most of my adult life. I'd get it for a couple of nights every now and then, but now I've had it every night for over a month, it's very distruptive to sleep. I have tried many of the remedies on this site, only to get about 1 1/2 hours of relief before I'm up again. I went to the Dr. for a blood test to see if I was deficient in anything, but I'm not.
I came across a homeopathic remedy called Restful Legs by Hyland. OH, BLESSED RELIEF! I realize that different things work for different people, especially for this condition, but you might want to give it a try. They have a website you can google. I purchased it in a health food store, but it is available in chain drug stores as well according to their website. It's relatively inexpensive.... about $8.00.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Ueugene Oregon (Eugene, Oregon) on 08/03/2011
★★★★★
Black strap molasses! Thanks for reminding me! I had taken BSM for many years and had only some RLS. I've actually forgotten to take it for over a year and my RLS has worsened since then to a point that it's unbearable. I will immediately go to the store and buy some! Of course it helps since it's very high in minerals, something very important to have to keep rls to a dull roar!
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 07/27/2011
Also if you drink a glass of tonic water that, s good for restless legs too, but it, s the quinine in the tonic that does the trick.
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Sabrana (Newcastle, Nsw) on 07/27/2011
★★★★★
Hi,
I just wanted to share that since giving up coffee, I don't have Restless Legs syndrome anymore. Simple.
Thanks
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/02/2011
Surveyor65, From the Doctoryourself.com website:
Just thought I'd let you know another great use for Niacin -- restless leg syndrome. My husband has never been officially diagnosed, but has a lot of trouble sleeping. This year when the work season started again, he began kicking me all night. It got so bad that I wasn't going to be able to sleep in the same room. Every few seconds, his legs would move and it was driving me up the wall. I persuaded my husband to try Niacin with Vitamin C right before bedtime. Works like a charm, in fact when he missed his vitamins the other night, I could tell within minutes. What a great solution to a problem that so many suffer with! "
"Doses vary from person to person, ranging anywhere from a low 50-100 mg to a high 500 mg".
Source: http://www.doctoryourself.com/leg.htm
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Blanche (Iberia Parish, Louisiana) on 07/01/2011
I read somewhere that restless legs sometimes occur if you are anemic. Just a thought.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Surveyor65 (Jefferson City, Mo, Usa) on 07/01/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I have suffered with RLS for about 20 years now and have been taking prescription medications to help for the last 10 or so. Since I HATE the idea of having to take a pill for the rest of my life, I tried searching natural remedies for RLS, and here I am. My RLS starts in my left leg, then, if I don't start moving or medicate, it will "attack" my left forearm, them my other leg, then the other arm (I usually take something before it gets to my right leg). I also have issues when just sitting at rest. I work two jobs, and my part-time gig requires a LOT of sitting (it's at a mental hospital). It will also start in on me while trying to watch TV in the evenings.
In reading the comments on the website, I decided to try the bar of soap remedy last night. NO HELP. I used a bar of Ivory soap, still wrapped, in the sheets. First below my feet, then between my knees and feet, then unwrapped the bar, shoved it in a sock and kept it between the sheets, then held it in my hand. After an hour and a half, I broke down, took my pill, and went outside to walk it off for about 30 minutes. Finally fell asleep about 2:45 AM!! UGGGGGHHHHH!!!
Thoughts, suggestions, snide remarks?
Niacin
Posted by Wendy D (Houston, Texas/usa) on 06/18/2011
★★★★★
Niacin (use the non-flushing kind) may work for some people. I read where you can take 50mg to 500mg an hour and 1/2 before bed with food can help. I had a bad couple of nights with relatively little sleep due to my legs and tried all of my usual tricks that didn't work. I bought a 250mg of niacin, opened it and sprinkled about 1/3 into a glass of water and drank it. Last night I slept like a baby.
Niacin is known to give the skin a flush for awhile. I would start off slow to see if you react to even the non-flushing kind.
Aspirin
Posted by Tammy (Ashland, Mo) on 04/19/2011
★★★★★
I have also found that aspirin cures RLS. My dad is a doctor and he said this really works. Obviously some doctors know what is going on! I also get used to the aspirin and have to take as little as possible for it to work all the time. Try it, it works! Ibprofen does not work as well for me.
