Complementary approaches in Restless Leg Syndrome

[Boscoejean]

researchgate.net/publicatio...

Complementary and alternative therapies have been found to be effective in both primary and secondary RLS. The severity of primary RLS symptoms can be significantly ameliorated by exercise training, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, pneumatic compression devices, light therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and acupuncture. Pneumatic compression devices and yoga also improve RLS-related disorders. Exercise training is highly efficacious in the reduction of symptom severity in uremic RLS and related effects such as poor quality of life. Endovenous laser ablation may be a good choice for patients with concurrent RLS and superficial venous insufficiency.

Effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in idiopathic restless legs patients

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/252...

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From brain to spinal cord: neuromodulation by direct current stimulation and its promising effects as a treatment option for restless legs syndrome

frontiersin.org/journals/ne...

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Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) are machines that can be used as a treatment for restless leg syndrome (RLS), where they work by applying pressure to the legs through sleeves, mimicking the movement of walking and potentially alleviating the uncomfortable sensations associated with RLS, often by improving blood flow in the legs; studies have shown that PCDs can significantly reduce RLS symptom severity and improve sleep quality in some patients.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/190...

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Exercise to help with restless leg syndrome

Moderate exercise can help relieve restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms. This includes walking, cycling, swimming, stretching, yoga, and Pilates.

webmd.com/brain/restless-le...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl....

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Yoga and restless leg syndrome

Yoga can help reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS). Yoga can also improve mood, sleep, and stress.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl....

[Boscoejean]

"Light therapy, specifically using near-infrared light, is being investigated as a potential treatment for restless leg syndrome (RLS), with studies showing that it may help reduce symptoms by improving blood circulation in the legs, offering a non-invasive option with minimal side effects; however, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and mechanism of action.

Key points about light therapy for RLS:

Type of light used:

Studies primarily focus on near-infrared light, which is believed to penetrate deeper into the tissues and potentially improve blood flow.

Potential benefits:

Near-infrared light therapy may alleviate discomfort associated with RLS by enhancing microcirculation in the legs, potentially reducing the urge to move the legs at night.

Mechanism of action:

While not fully understood, the theory is that near-infrared light can stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.

Evidence level:

While promising, research on light therapy for RLS is still considered preliminary and more large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy. "