Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is an uncomfortable condition that affects many Americans. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 12 million Americans suffer from RLS. Although many factors contribute to RLS, magnesium deficiency is a main cause of this bothersome disorder.
Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS is a condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms in the calves, thighs, feet and arms. These symptoms include a deep-seated creeping/crawling feeling, jitters, tingling, burning and aching. RLS symptoms usually begin in times of inactivity and get worse in the evening. Getting up and walking around usually relieves the pain of RLS. One of the most common causes of RLS is magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia. The lack of magnesium makes the leg muscles tense up, creating the urge to move.
Other Causes of RLS
Many different risk factors contribute to RLS. These factors include heredity, stress, pregnancy, iron deficiency, peripheral neuropathy and kidney failure. If you believe that you have RLS, talk to your doctor so he can rule out any underlying conditions.
Treatment for RLS
If your doctor determines that you have RLS, he will initially treat any conditions that may be causing your RLS. If there isn't a separate condition involved, lifestyle changes are the first step in RLS treatment. Some of the lifestyle changes that your doctor might recommend include over-the-counter pain relievers, baths, massages, warm or cool packs, good sleep habits, relaxation techniques, exercise, keeping yourself mentally alert in the evening and cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. If those changes don't work, your doctor may prescribe medications such as opiods, muscle relaxants, sleep medications and medications for epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is the medical term for low magnesium in the blood. There are various conditions that can cause hypomagnesemia, including: chronic diarrhea, alcoholism, high blood calcium levels, malabsorption, malnutrition, excessive urination and use of certain medications like cisplatin, amphotericin and diuretics. A person who has hypomagnesemia may suffer from various health conditions, such as fibromyalgia, hearing loss, menstrual cramps, migraines, muscle contractions, muscle cramps, osteoporosis, premature birth and seizures.
Treatment for Hypomagnemesia
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a magnesium deficiency, he may recommend various forms of treatment, depending on the severity of your case. Magnesium supplements, Epsom salts, milk of magnesia and magnesium oxide are used to treat hypomagnemesia, but only in small dosages due to their laxative qualities. If you suffer from severe magnesium deficiency, your doctor may recommend an intravenous or intramuscular magnesium sulfate solution.
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