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  |  General Health  |  Diseases and conditions  |  Respite from restless legs
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Respite from restless legs

by Dr Sarah Brewer
continued from page 1
Restless legs can be linked with iron deficiency and it is worth asking your doctor to check your levels of ferritin (an iron compound). The regular blood test for haemoglobin levels will not show if your iron levels are borderline - it can only detect a deficiency that is significant enough to cause anaemia.

A doctor may suggest treatment with quinine or calcium and magnesium tablets, if leg cramping occurs, and paracetamol for pain. In people with renal failure, drugs may be prescribed to help combat involuntary leg movements.

Self- help

You can reduce restless legs by:

  • Having a light snack before going to bed

  • Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which may make symptoms worse

  • Eating more fruit and vegetables per day, since these contain important minerals, including potassium, which play a role in muscle health.



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