Restless Leg Syndrome – Is It Real?

     It seems that for every disorder there is a new pill to treat it!  From irritable bowel syndrome to acid reflux.  Is it that much easier to take a pill then to find the cure for the ailment??  For hundreds of thousands of people, restless leg syndrome plagues them every night.  However, there has to be a simple reason for legs that won’t seem to calm down.  Here is my answer… courtesy of the many clients I have trained over the years.

THE REAL PROBLEM: 

     Every client that has complained of “restless legs,” all have the same thing in common…. Tight Leg muscles!  When the legs are used day after day; knots form in the muscles (much like the ones you might feel when you get a massage).  These knots restrict movement of the muscle.  They can also restrict blood flow!  The body then tries very hard to get these tight, knotted, muscles to relax, which can cause little spasms.  These spasms make it hard for you to relax at night (and other various parts of the day). 

THE SOLUTION: 

     STRETCH!!!!  Sounds simple; but periodic stretching of the calve muscles and quads (front part of the thigh), and hamstrings (the back of the thigh) can make all the difference.  If this doesn’t work for you and the “restless legs” continue then you must remove the knots with “foam rolling.”  Foam rolling helps to break up the knots in your legs; increasing circulation and restoring the full length of the muscle.  If you aren’t familiar with “foam rolling” (self myofacial release), then type it into the search engine on my page…. there is a whole article on it! 

     Cinnamon:  Has been proven to increase circulation.  If you suffer from diseases that restrict your blood flow then it might be a good idea to work cinnamon into your diet.  The increased blood flow will help to calm the legs. 

     WEAR GOOD SHOES:  I can’t tell you how many people neglect their feet!  High heals, broken down shoes, and shoes with no support can affect you more then you know.  Take care of your feet and you will have less, and less ailments all the way up you body!

     While “restless leg syndrome” is a true ailment; you don’t have to throw pills at the problem!  Take time out of your day to stay stretched out (especially if you have a desk job!). 

Adria Ali