THE JUMPING LEG SYNDROME

Many people suffer from "jumping legs". This doesn't mean that they voluntarily leap over hurdles or jump to miss the youngsters playing on the kitchen floor.

Rather it refers to a sudden uncontrollable and spontaneous jumping of the legs (either individually or in unison) that takes place for no apparent reason.

The jumping legs may occur shortly after one retires at night, or during the night while the person is asleep. This condition can suddenly waken the person and disturb their partner, who may ceremoniously kick back!

The jumping syndrome can also occur at the end of the busy day as one begins to unwind. You could be watching TV or having a cup of tea when the symptoms will start to occur.

The condition is known by a variety of names: the restless leg syndrome is one, and the jumping leg syndrome is another.

"My leg jumps for no good reason," a patient will complain to a doctor. "I didn't notice it but my husband does" Or "It keeps me awake at night".

Some doctors say it's due to a sudden spasm of microscopic fibres that makes up the muscles. Others claim this is cause by a build up of lactic acid, the by product of the muscles metabolism occuring at night in the lower limbs. If the circulation is poor, defficient or slow, the acidic poison builds up and causes the spasmodic contractions.

If the circulation in your limbs is poor, you need to establish the cause and find a possible remedy. Diabetics are notorious for having poor blood circulation in their legs and feet. A blood test will quickly indicate if this is the cause. If the answer is yes, treatment is readily available and will help ease the symptoms.

High cholesterol level in the blood leads to narrowing of the blood vessels, especially with the lower limbs. If this level is high, vessel narrowing may have already occurred resulting in impaired circulation. And the chance of jumping leg syndrome and calf pain will increase.

High cholesterol levels must be reduced. Reducing weight by increasing your daily fibre intake and reducing the consumption of animal fat play a successful part in this treatment.

Nevertheless many people have a sluggish leg circulation when laying flat on the bed at night. Position and gravity play a part to maintain normal circulation while standing or walking. So it can help to check factors which may impede a normal circulation.

A simple and often highly successful course of action is to stuff a pillow case with old socks, sheets and clothing. Place this at the base of the bed between your feet. This encourages better circulation and as soon as that improves, the pains, cramps and jumps often vanish.

Taking more calcium often helps too. Calcium deficiency often cause cramps. Drink more milk or ask the doctor about it. Another technique to help with circulation is to massage your legs using some lubricating material such as baby oil.

Hydrotherapy, in the form of alternate hot and cold packs, similiarly improves circulation, breaks muscles spasm and offers quick satisfiying relief.

One treatment that has been certified and proven effective is Tramadol. 50 to 150 mg taken per day (dosage amount may vary, consult with your doctor) for most cases have proven to give into effect. The use of Tramadol for Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has given superior results, this is possibly due to the unique pharmacodynamic profile. For further enquires on Tramadol, click here.