| This is a surprisingly common condition, | | | | including especially vitamins A, C, E, and |
| characterized by aching, pain, twitching, | | | | zinc, should be taken as preventive |
| pins and needles, and a burning sensation in | | | | treatment. |
| legs. It tends to be worse at night and after | | | | |
| prolonged sitting, and is generally relieved | | | | Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist |
| by movement. The cause of this syndrome is | | | | for: |
| not known, although evidence points to a | | | | |
| possible iron deficiency, especially in | | | | Acupuncture Treatment will be aimed at all |
| women, and reduced circulation to the nerves | | | | points of the leg, and at energy balance. |
| of the muscle fibers of the legs. Restless | | | | |
| legs syndrome is more common in pregnancy, | | | | Herbal Medicine All treatment is individually |
| middle age, smokers, and those with a high | | | | tailored, and will be constitutional but one |
| caffeine intake. | | | | of the following herbs, taken as teas, may be |
| | | | suggested: valerian, verbena, ginger, oats, |
| Treatment | | | | limeflower, and horse chestnut. |
| | | | |
| Exercise, including walking, cycling, and | | | | Homeopathy Until constitutional treatment is |
| swimming, will improve circulation. | | | | received, try Causticum 30c, and Zinc 6c. |
| Self-massage may help to discourage attacks. | | | | Osteopathy Your osteopath will improve body |
| | | | mechanics, and nerve and blood flow. Massage |
| Diet and Nutrition | | | | Deep massage, massage for relaxation, |
| | | | rolfing, and shiatsu are all appropriate for |
| Increase your intake of iron-rich foods, | | | | treating this syndrome, providing symptomatic |
| including dried fruits, leafy green | | | | relief and frequently curing it completely. |
| vegetables, poultry, fish, parsley, apricots, | | | | |
| pumpkin seeds, and red meats. There is some | | | | Foot Problems |
| evidence that vitamin E has a therapeutic | | | | |
| effect, and foods rich in this vitamin | | | | There are a large number of bones and muscles |
| include vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, and | | | | in the feet, and there are, subsequently, a |
| wheat germ. Avoid tea within two hours of | | | | correspondingly large number of complaints |
| meals (it inhibits the absorption of iron), | | | | that can affect them. Injury, sprains, poor |
| and reduce consumption of coffee, cola, and | | | | posture arthritis are responsible for the |
| chocolate. Nat. sulf. (a biochemic tissue | | | | majority of foot problems, causing pain and |
| salt) may be suggested by your nutritionist. | | | | dysfunction in the ankle, with subsequent |
| A good multivitamin and mineral supplement, | | | | difficulty in walking. |