Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually at night time. The uncomfortableness can result in cramping, itching, twitching and aching. RLS can be found in adults of age below 40 years. The condition can also be found in children. It usually occurs when a person sits or lies down and can temporarily go away or become mild if he or she gets up and starts walking. RLS is a chronic disorder and hence it cannot go away permanently. However, proper physical therapy can help relief pain and improve this condition. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the restless legs syndrome physical exercise that will help patients suffering from this condition.
Restless Legs Syndrome Physical Exercise
Restless legs syndrome is a chronic and painful condition however it can be cured through following physical exercises done either through a therapist or patient itself.
- Calf stretch
Patient is in supine position and therapist is standing beside the patient. Therapist grasps the foot of patient and flexes the foot of patient gives stretch of calf and holds it for few seconds.
- Hamstring stretch
Patient lies in supine position and therapist is in standing position holds the affected leg in hand and raises the leg of patient in upward direction by giving the stretch according to the tolerance of patient and holds it for few seconds.
- Hip flexors stretch
Patient is in prone position and therapist is in standing position. Therapist flexes the knee of affected leg of patient and raises the leg in upward direction. It will give stretch in front thigh of leg. Therapist will keep this position of patient for few seconds and bring it back to original position.
- IT band stretch
Patient is lying in supine position and therapist is standing with the couch of patient and asks the patient to flex the knee of unaffected leg and therapist puts that leg against the opposite leg and give a stretch on that leg and holds it for few seconds.
- Self Exercises
A patient suffering with RLS can do following self exercises to help relief pain and improve the condition gradually.
- Gentle Squats.
- Slow Pace Cycling.
- Yoga and Pilates.
- Refrain from running and jogging.
- Swimming and water aerobics.
- Gentle Arm and leg stretch.
- Massages on weekly basis.
Conclusion
Restless legs syndrome may also be a result of other diseases like anemia, cardiac issues, Peripheral Neuropathy, Knee pain, back pain etc. Iron deficiency may also lead a person to this condition. However, through physical therapy and self exercises, condition a person can be saved from getting worse.
