Anyone have any advice as to the best way to control nightly bouts of restless leg syndrome? I have recently begun to suffer with spasms, often severe and affecting my whole body. I am type 2 diabetic and need my sleep! I have heard a nightly dose of a couple of teaspoons of Milk of Magnesia could help. Has anyone tried this?
By Mary Lou from Canada
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I have had two doctors tell me that there isn't really anything to do for the leg cramps. I am a type 2 diabetic, and have these cramps too. However, I was having them before I became diabetic. These doctors have told me they are part of growing older for some people. One of the doctors had an intern with him on the day he told me that and she made the comment that her Dad had just started getting these night time leg cramps and we should hear what he had to say about them.
Hi Mary Lou,
My husband had leg cramps. He takes magnesium tablets and they do help. Eating bananas is also a good way to get magnesium. I would guess that milk of magnesia or Epsom salts would work the same way.
I found this about magnesium, "...Individuals with poorly-controlled diabetes may benefit from magnesium supplements because of increased magnesium loss in urine associated with hyperglycemia..." at ods.od.nih.gov/
In any case I hope you get some relief.
Thanks rc53 I printed out the fact sheet and hope my doctor isn't like redhatterb's and dismiss the problem like it was nothing. Of course, it is to him as he doesn't suffer from them it seems.
Here's a good article on this; I believe my mother takes some form of Parkinson's meds for it.
www.mayoclinic.com/
My husband has restless leg syndrome for which he has been prescribed tablets called clonazepam. He takes one (500mcg) each night and can then sleep peacefully.
I frequently get Restless Leg Syndrome, I researched it on line and it says that if you have Acid Reflux, RLS comes along with it. Lately I have been taking 3 or 4 Tums several times a day as well as my prescription for acid reflux.. I am also diabetic. The best thing to do when RLS happens is walk inside about 200 paces and do some leg exercises, ie, put your arms straight out in front of you and place your hands flat on the wall and stand arms length away, go up and down on your toes about 20 times, it works every time for me.
I have type 2 diabetes and I've noticed that my RLS only acts up when I haven't been paying enough attention to my sugar levels. You might want to get your sugar down a bit and see if that helps. Good luck to you.
It's my understanding that restless leg syndrome does not feel like cramps. It is the constant sensation of having to move your legs, when you're really not able to do so, and it can "drive you up the wall!". I have that especially when driving in late evening and nighttime - after I've been sitting or driving all day.
Wow, NatashaLee that Mayo clinic article is great! Thanks for the link. EGGZ I will certainly give tonic water a try as well. Thanks everyone who responded. Hoping will not have to cut out caffeine or chocolate. :[
I also have restless leg syndrome. I drink a can of soda water before going to bed or whenever my legs start giving me problems. It will take about 1/2 hour for it to work though. It has quinenine in it and that is what helps. If you don't like the taste, mix it with orange juice or and juice to drink it.
Do your spasms cause severe pain? I also have Type 2 Diabetes, and was prescribed Lipitor to reduce cholesterol. Everything was fine for a number of years, and then I started experiencing severe cramps (about as bad as childbirth), mainly in my legs, but also in my hands and sides. After numerous tests to rule out other problems, I was finally taken off Lipitor, and the cramps ceased immediately.
I posted that I use soda water for my restless leg syndrome. I made a mistake. It is "'Tonic Water" not soda. Sorry if this caused anyone problems. It is a can of Tonic Water with coinine in it that I drink to help my restless Leg syndrome. Wait for half an hour before it starts to work.
I went off Lipitor for 48 hours at my doctors suggestion and it made no difference, ilmarlai, so still taking it although I will discuss changing to Ezetrol with my doctor and thanks for the suggestion.
Be sure you are getting lot's of all the B vitamins and calcium, magnesium. There is a caplet that is labeled D-3 that has the right portion of cal. and mag. I know Wal-mart has it. I make sure I get at least 1200 mg of calcium along with magnesium and Vit. D. It has gotten rid of mine, but it won;t do it in a day!
Please check out peoplespharmacy.com. Search "restless leg syndrome".
Some people are helped by a dozen tart cherries and juice every day. Cherries also help the pain of gout. The website is run by a pair of excellent pharmacists who understand that doctors don't know everything, don't have time, and sometimes you can help yourself. I hope you feel better. I need and love my sleep too.
Check side effects of your medications, often this is a side effect. If you can find another medication that will help you but not give you this as a side effect you will win!
You've received a lot of good ideas. Here's another-
Are you taking Metformin for your diabetes? If so, did you know that this medication is one of the major causes of vitamin B12 deficiency? I've heard some people say a B12 deficiency can cause restless leg syndrome. I don't know if it's common for diabetics to be deficient on vit.D/calcium/magnesium also, but they can also cause those symptoms. I'm dx type 2 for 15 months now (with a Dr who didn't tell me about the B12 side effect) & the last 9 months have battled B12,Iron & Vit D deficiency - fortunately I don't have the RSL though.
Look at #5, non-drug treatment
www.rls.org/
Please note that leg cramps and restless legs are two different things, so the remedies will probably be different.
I get restless legs at night and I take homeopathic tablets by Hyland's called "Restful Legs". The label says that they relieve: "Leg Jerks, Urge to Move Legs, and Itching, Crawling, Tingling Sensation in Legs". I order mine on-line from Puritan's Pride; however, you might be able to find them in a drugstore or health-food store.
I know, leg cramps and restless leg syndrome are NOT the same, However I do know some people (myself included) are helped by placing a small piece of bar soap (I cut a bar of Ivory soap in to 4ths) under the bottom sheet. Give it a try for a week or two.
Cheap and works for many people.
GG Vi
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