I had worsening RLS for about 5 years, which was finally diagnosed about 18 mos ago by my cardiologist. My Dr. initially had me use compression stockings (below-the-knee) for varicose veins and i noticed two things: (1) i *hated* them, and (2) they helped my RLS a little bit.
I have to run for the military but hated running in compression sox. My cardiologist suggested I could wear tights -- as in dance tights; not just regular running tights -- because they provide some compression.
When i tried them, it turned out the dance tights helped my RLS, too! I mean like 9-out-of-10 nights i have no symptoms, and maybe 1-out-of-10 nights when i do have a little bit, it is much milder and i can still sleep pretty well.
I don't know why it works, but i think it's the tactile-feedback to my nerve endings on my skin. Someone else talked about their RLS going away when a cat was sitting on their legs -- i think it might be the same kind of idea. You forget you're wearing the tights after a while, but your nerve endings feel a little compression and some tactile feedback. Just my theory.
The good thing is dance tights are pretty cheap ($10-$20 U.S.) and you don't have the hassles of fighting to pull on medical compression stockings!!!
I have only tried Capezio brand (just randomly), but i assume Danskin or any other reputable brand would work. Capezio "Hold & Stretch" are what i have tried. They make 'convertible' tights so you can let your toes or your whole foot out if the foot part bothers you. I think the options range from footless, stirrup, convertible, and footed.
Dance tights come packaged as 'men's' or 'women's' but Men's are like twice the price ($35 U.S.) and look to me to be exactly same material and shape/length. I'm pretty sure they're manufactured as unisex, then it's just a matter of packaging/marketing. So just try to get the right size for you at the cheapest price.
They last a long time, too! They don't really snag or "run" like you would expect. And i wash mine in the regular laundry. I pretty much abuse them but i have only ripped 2 pair in over a year. You can probably wear them 75-100 times at least. Maybe longer if you take better care of them than i do.
Bottom line: dance tights have changed my life -- almost totally resolved my RLS. When I forget to wear them or if they're in the wash, my RLS does come back.
Best ones I've found for me are Capezio #14 (foot), #15 (transition), #145 ("stirrup") and they are all called 'Hold and Stretch' tights. I think they make a 'soft' version called #1815/#1915 (footed) #1816/#1916 (transition).
XXL (2x) in women's pkg or XL in men's pkg seem to be the exact same and that's the size for me (6'1", 190#)
Hope this works for some people!
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