Diabetes and the Restless Leg Syndrome

The legs of a person are said to be restless when they itch, prickle or burn, jerk or twist involuntarily. It affects 5-10 people including those with diabetes. This  is caused by slow drainage of blood  from the lower limbs. Other causes include an excess of caffeine, withdrawal from alcohol, tranquilizer dependence, and deficiency in iron and Vitamin B. I'm a diabetic suffering from twitching legs and toes, burning legs, and occasional painful leg cramps.

Restless leg  is an ailment itself that needs attention. First, we have to identify what the problem is, and second, we have to look for remedies to treat the problem and keep it at bay.

Dr. Caroline Shreeve,  author of my source, Home Remedies: A Guide to Symptoms and Cures, has this to say about restless legs, their symptoms and cures.

What are the symptoms of the restless legs syndrome? 

•  Inability to keep legs still after retiring for the night
• Lower legs thrash about or jerk uncontrollably
• Prickling, crawling sensation just under the skin of legs
• A burning sensation although skin may be cool to the touch

What are the cures?
  
Naturopathy  -  a system of primary health care that uses natural measures, particularly diet, to restore and promote the body's self-healing process. Several naturopathy approaches are as follows:

A. Relevant lifestyle measures

1. whole food diet
2. weight reduction
3. daily exercise (going barefoot)
4. wear open sandals to encourage toes to grip naturally

B. Hydrotherapy (treatment with the use of water)

1. leg and foot baths
2. cool compress
3. warm bath or shower

C.  Aromatherapy-  treatment with the use of essences

1. Add 4 drops of clary sage and 3 drops each of chamomile and orange essence to 1 tbsp(15ml) sweet almond or grape oil following  a warm bath or shower.
2. Use the essences to massage the legs in an upward direction from the soles of the feet to the knees until it is absorbed.
3. Lie down for at least 20 minutes with the feet propped on a pillow.  

 Dance therapy

1.  Used beneficially especially the type that involves slow, strong leg movements that utilize relevant muscles.  

Vitamins and  Minerals

1. A whole food diet but with additional emphasis upon foods rich in iron (red meat, offal, black treacle, cheddar cheese, egg yolk, wheatgerm, seaweed, nuts, and lentils)
2. The B Vitamins (brewers'  yeast, wholewheat flour, beef kidney and liver, sunflower seeds, and cashew nuts)
3. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids are extremely important, too (found as the brightly coloured natural nutrients in the pulp, peel (and pith) of citrus fruit, green peppers, paw paw,  and cherries.
4. Specific dietary supplements are the whole range of antioxidants, especially the bioflavonoids with naturally occurring Vitamin C, folic acid, and Vitamin E.

Medical Treatment

1. Exercise, weight reduction, and possibly dietary advice would be the typical treatments offered.
2. Medication takes the form of paroven, containing rutosides, which are a form of bioflavanoid.

Caution

1. See your doctor about all involuntary movements.
2. Take any medication exactly as prescribed.
3. Seek further advice.

How can we prevent restless legs syndrome? 

1. Prop legs up while resting during the day.
2. Exercise regularly to maintain good circulation.
3. Avoid being overweight.
4. Massage legs nightly before retiring in bed.

For diabetics, a healthy control of blood sugar level may lessen the problem of the restless legs.