Disease Index Homeopathy Papers

Homeopathy for Restless Leg Syndrome

Written by Robert Medhurst

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects around 5 to 10 percent of the adult population and the majority of these are women. The condition itself involves unease, pain, twitching or restlessness in the legs that occurs after going to bed. It can occur regularly or intermittently and while it can affect younger people, it’s more commonly seen in those in their fifth and subsequent decades of life. In one third to one half of sufferers, there is a familial history.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects around 5 to 10 percent of the adult population and the majority of these are women. It can occur regularly or intermittently and while it can affect younger people, it’s more commonly seen in those in their fifth and subsequent decades of life. Diabetes, anaemia, uraemia, alcoholism and rheumatoid arthritis are all associated with the condition, and RLS risk increases with pregnancy.

The condition itself, as the name implies, involves unease, pain, twitching or restlessness in the legs that occurs after going to bed and is usually improved by movement.

The cause of RLS isn’t well understood, but from an orthodox medical perspective, it’s thought to be associated with iron deficiency. In one third to one half of sufferers, there is a familial history. Anti-depressants, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines and several other classes of drugs may also be associated with RLS

Medically, there’s no real solution to this problem, which is why most of those who suffer from it tend to end up in non-medical healthcare clinics. In some cases it may be worth trying tryptophan and magnesium as a means of dealing with RLS but this is usually only effective if there are clinical signs of a tryptophan and/or magnesium deficiency already present. Iron, Folate or Vitamin E may also be lacking in this condition and dealing with any deficiencies in these areas can also have benefits in RLS. Any or all of these measures may relieve the condition in time, but the appropriately selected homeopathic medicine can provide fast and prolonged relief from RLS.

A number of notable authorities in homeopathy1-8 have mentioned remedies that may be useful for the sufferers of this condition. Following is a list of suggested homoeopathic remedies for RLS, accompanied by some of their more relevant differentiating symptoms.

Arsenicum album

The Arsenicum type is characteristically anxious, fearful, obsessive, tired (particularly after the slightest exertion) and restless. There is uneasiness in the lower limbs; they must move their feet constantly and cannot lie still at night. They often complain of cramps in the calves. Symptoms are improved by heat and elevating the head and worse from cold and wet weather.

Causticum

Idealistic, sensitivity to authority and an intolerance of injustice may be seen in the person who responds to this remedy. They have a history of rheumatic, arthritic or paralytic complaints and respiratory congestion. They have restless legs (Homeopathy Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome) at night with numbness, tearing pains in the joints, and knee joints that are subject to cracking sounds. Symptoms are improved by warmth, damp or wet weather and are made worse by cold dry weather.

Kali carbonicum

The person who responds to Kali carb is often dogmatic and conservative, and may have a susceptibility to arthritic complaints, respiratory tract congestion and possibly asthma. Their RLS is often characterised by jerking, twitching, stitching or tearing pains which often wake the sufferer at around 2 to 4am. Symptoms are better for warm weather and worse for coition or the cold.

Lycopodium

The Lycopodium type may appear to suffer from feelings of either inferiority or egotism and often has associated digestive disorders involving flatulence and/or issues to do with the liver. They often end up with their feet sticking out from under the bedclothes, their RLS symptoms are commonly more pronounced from 3 to 8pm and are more noticeable on the right side. Symptoms are better after midnight, better for uncovering and from getting cold. Symptoms are worse from the warmth of the bed.

Magnesia carbonica

This remedy type often displays a sad and taciturn nature with hyperacidity, dryness of mucus membranes, a sour body odour and a craving for meat. The legs and feet feel tired; the legs become restless, particularly the lower legs, which is particularly noticeable after sitting for long periods of time. The symptoms specific for RLS here involve cramping, sharp pains and weakness of the calves, and jerking of the legs. Symptoms are worse from the warmth of the bed and changes in the weather.

Phosphorous

The type of person who may benefit from Phosphorous for the treatment of RLS will often appear to be anxious, excitable, impressionable, and in need of sympathy. In addition, they’re often tired, have a thirst for cold drinks and have a marked tendency to haemorrhage. Their RLS symptoms may include cramping of the toes, numbness, jerking, and stiffness of the joints. Symptoms are better from lying on the right side, better in the open air, worse at twilight and at a change in the weather.

Rhus tox

This remedy has an affinity for joints, tendons and most areas of fibrous tissue, producing pain and stiffness that requires motion for improvement. The Rhus tox picture also involves an increased susceptibility to infections. Mentally, the remedy can produce nocturnal anxiety, restlessness and depression. The RLS symptoms here involve a constant need to move the legs and there is often pain which is worse on the first movement. Continued movement tends to provide some measure of relief. Symptoms are better from continued motion, heat and rubbing, and are worse from cold, wet, rest and are worse before storms.

Sepia

This remedy is particularly useful for women suffering from RLS where this is accompanied by a history of weakness, venous congestion, uterine disorders, yellowing of the skin, depression, ascending symptoms and a feeling of coldness. The specific RLS symptoms that may correspond to Sepia are restlessness, twitching and jerking in limbs that can occur at any time of the day and frequently appear night and day. Symptoms are improved by exercise, pressure and heat, and are worse for cold, dampness and worse before a storm.

Tarantula hispanica

Tarantula is associated with profound restlessness and a general over-stimulation of the nervous system leading to hyperactivity, rages and impatience. Interestingly, the restlessness seen here is modulated by music and dancing- the more vigorous the better. The RLS symptoms include extreme restlessness with jerking, numbness and twitching. Symptoms are better for exertion, music, rubbing, pressure and are worse for coition, rest and cold. (Note that there is some dispute about the correct name of this remedy. It can be found as Tarentula hispania,or Tarentula hispanica, used here, which is the most likely to be correct and is taken from the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of 2008)

Zincum metallicum

Those of a hypersensitive nature and an over-stimulated nervous system prone to producing twitches and other involuntary movements, including RLS, may benefit from this remedy. The mental state here may show signs of either an over or under-stimulation and mental and physical fatigue. A sensory hypersensitivity may also be seen. RLS symptoms here include fidgety, trembling and twitchy feet which must be constantly moved. Symptoms are better from discharges, pressure and warmth and worse from exhaustion, noise, touch and after the consumption of alcohol. Material doses of zinc are commonly used by practitioners in the hope of relieving restless legs but this frequently has little effect. The reason for this is often found to be a diminished ability to absorb dietary or supplemental zinc. The use of Zincum metallicum 6C prior to ingesting elemental zinc has provided the solution to this problem.

References:

  1. Clarke Dr JH, A Clinical Repertory to the Dictionary of the Materia Medica, Health Sciences Press, England, 1979. ISBN 0-85032-061-5.
  2. Dewey Dr WA, Practical Homoeopathic Therapeutics, 2nd Edition, B Jain, New Delhi, 1991. Book code B-2189.
  3. Knerr KB, Repertory of Hering’s Guiding Symptoms of our Materia Medica. 1997, B Jain, New Delhi. ISBN 81-7021-241-3.
  4. Lilienthal S, Homoeopathic Therapeutics, 3rd edition, 1890, Indian Books and Periodicals.
  5. Morrison R, Desktop Guide, Hahnemann Clinic Publishing, California, USA, 1983. ISBN 0-9635-368-0-X.
  6. Vermeulen F, Concordant Materia Medica, Emryss bv, The Netherlands, 1997. ISBN 90 76189-02-1.
  7. Murphy R, Homeopathic Remedy Guide, 2nd Edition, H.A.N.A. Press, Virginia, USA, 2000. ISBN 0-9635764-0-2.
  8. Von Lippe A, Key Notes and Red Line Symptoms of the Materia Medica, IBP, New Delhi, 2001. Book Code No IB0579.

About the author

Robert Medhurst

Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr is an Australian Naturopath & Homeopath with 40 years of clinical experience. He has written many articles and lectured on homeopathy throughout Australia and the U.S. Robert previously set up and operated 5 natural therapies practices in Sydney and Adelaide and was involved in teaching and medical research. He was formerly the Expert Advisor on Homeopathy to the Federal Government of Australia, Dept. of Health & Ageing. He specialises in homeopathy and is the author of The Business of Healing, the definitive guide for clinical practice establishment and management, as well as The Concordant Clinical Homeopathic Repertory. For more information see adelaidehillsnaturopath.com.au.

11 Comments

  • Nice article,Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), sir is it connected with LOWER MOTOR NEURON DISEASES??????.really nice article, as u described taking mental symptoms associated with physical complaints it is easy to understand that drug in that particular view,& thanks for giving references of the books.HEARTLY THANKS FOR THE ARTICLE.

  • I also appreciate the differentiations. I’m interested in why orthodox medicine considers the condition, first, an iron deficiency. Can you explain? Thanks again,

  • Nice article sir, but I also suggest the readers to consult the repertory before settling on any one of these drugs. This article is undoubtedly a great help for differentiating the drugs.

  • DEAR DR,
    ONCE MY WIFE WAS SUFFERING FOR LONG YEARS WITH CALF PAIN SPECIALLY WHEN SHE USED TO SLEEP. SHE WOULD TIE HER BOTH CALFS WITH ROPE AND THEN SHE COULD SLEEP. I TRIED ALL THE MEDICINES REFERED IN DR’S ARTICLE BUT THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT. ONCE I READ IN BOERICKE MM A REMEDY NAMED ‘EURPION’ FOR CALF PAIN/CRAMPS AND I PRESCRIBED ONE DOSE 30 OF THIS MEDICINE AND FOUND A REMARKABLE IMPROVEMENT. THEREAFTER I USED IT IN WATER AND GAVE HER IN NIGHT WHENEVER SHE REQUIRED. THAT CONTINUED FOR ABOUT A MONTH OR SO AND AFTER THAT SHE BECAME ALRIGHT AND FROM ONE AND HALF YEARS SHE HAD NO PAIN IN HER CALFS. LATER I AM PRESCRIBING THIS REMEDY FOR CALF PAIN OF LADIES AND HAVE FOUND IT VERY SUCCESSFUL
    THANKS
    DR SHEKHAR

    • Sir, may I get your address for getting eurpion for treating my mother who is suffering from night cramps/RLS.

      Waiting eagerly for your Reply.
      Thanks.

  • The auther has given a list of the remedies mentioned by notable authorities, but he didn,t give his own experience about the same. From my own experience , I have seen that the above medecines work and give temporary relief and have to be repeated after some times but no permanent cure. Further as the auther has rightly mentioned that 1/3 rd to 1/2 half of the sufferers are having Iron, Folate or Vit.E deficiencies, but no homeopathy medecine have been given to overcome these deficiencies of the sufferers. unless we remove the cause, the trouble will occur again and again.
    Thanks for your nice article.

  • My eyes were quickly drawn to this article being close to my heart.
    Since I was a little girl my legs jumped. I used my dad heavy overcoat to hold them down and pinned the blankets in tight.
    The peculiarity was that even when I was unaware of time and watches my leg would jump for twenty minutes and then the other one would start for twenty minutes! That stayed throughout my life. During the menopause I thought I would go mad and it turned out I was severely anaemic and Folic Acid helped enormously. I now, in my sixties do deep breathing. Really deep, so that it knocks me out before it all kicks off ( Good Pun huh!)
    I watch out for any signs of being anaemic and use Ferr Phos Tissue Salts…. the combination for aching legs is good… the Mag Phos helps the pains.
    Another peculiarity is that if I try to suppress the jumps in my legs it will go to my upper body, first in jerks around my back and then into my arms!
    I have kicked a table over. I have bruised and battered my other half. I have walked the house. And the only good thing is a wonderful memory of my Dad shouting from the hall…. “Eileen Have you got my coat again!”

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