Many people suffer from something called “Restless Leg Syndrome” or RLS. The most common symptom is feeling a near-constant need to move the legs when at rest, like when they are lying down to go to bed or relaxing in a chair. However, it is also very common for people with RLS to have discomfort and/or pain in their legs that won’t go away or to experience tingling and itching legs, especially at night. Luckily, there are some very effective ways to improve and even eliminate these symptoms.
What to do When the Pain/Tingling/Itching/Need to Move Your Legs Won’t Go Away
One of the first things a person needs to do when they have constant pain, tingling, itching and/or discomfort in their legs is to make sure that they are properly hydrated. For most people, this means you need to drink at least ½ your weight in ounces of water throughout the day. For example, a 200 lb. person would need to drink at least 100 ounces of water in divided doses throughout the day, ideally about 4-8 ounces every ½ hour.
Next, there are several minerals that may help. Many people that suffer from discomfort, pain or tingling in their legs that won’t go away have deficiencies or imbalances with magnesium, potassium and/or iron. Getting these levels checked (Packed RBC Magnesium; hemoglobin/hematocrit and ferritin; and potassium) can help, but taking 200-800 mg of magnesium glycinate, 100-300 mg of potassium citrate and (for women) 30-60 mg of ferrous bis-glycinate may be a big help. Taking regular Epsom salt baths may also bring some relief.
If none of these therapies bring the relief you are looking for, amino acid therapy may be able to help. It’s been found that restless leg syndrome is a dopamine dominant disorder that may require a substantial amount of support for dopamine and the other catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) with balanced support for the serotonin system. Once the right balance of amino acids is found that reestablishes proper neurotransmitter function, the discomfort, tingling, pain and constant need to move the legs will resolve. This process usually takes 4-6 months and often requires 2-6 urine tests to help optimize the amino acid dosing.
Finding Relief for Pain/Discomfort in the Legs That Won’t Go Away
Getting hydrated, optimizing mineral status and using amino acid therapy have brought relief to thousands of people suffering from restless leg syndrome. If you have questions or need additional support to find the right program for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help.
