If you frequently have an uncontrollable urge to move or shift your legs, especially while sitting or lying down, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS). In addition to being uncomfortable, this condition can make it hard to fully relax and sleep and causes painful muscle cramps.
If you want a simple, affordable way to soothe your RLS, Nurse Yard’s compression socks for restless legs may be the answer. Our socks support your calves, ankles, and feet with graduated pressure and light arch support to improve circulation, relieve tension, and prevent cramping. In the article below, we discuss how these features alleviate RLS, so you can enjoy your downtime and get better sleep.
Browse Nurse Yard’s compression socks, including our design hack, to find the right compression socks for your restless legs.
Yes, Compression Socks Can Help With Restless Legs
Compression socks are a simple, affordable solution for restless legs syndrome. Since RLS has a number of different causes, compression socks can help you find relief while determining the root cause. They’re also an effective supplement to other RLS treatments.
How it Works
The constant graduated pressure from compression socks provides benefits similar to a massage by encouraging blood flow and lymphatic drainage and relieving muscle tension and any associated swelling. They also help support the muscles, tendons, and veins in your legs from becoming overworked, alleviating fatigue-related RLS.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an irresistible urge to move your legs, especially in the evenings when you’re at rest. You may feel as though your muscles are suddenly very tight or even seizing up and need movement to get rid of the sensation.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of restless leg syndrome include:
- Muscle tension and cramping
- Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
- General restlessness or fatigue
- Tingling or burning in the legs
- “Charley horses”
- Sudden urge to move your legs
Causes
RLS can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Pregnancy
- Iron or magnesium deficiency
- Hormonal changes or imbalance
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the hands and feet)
Treatment for RLS
Though RLS symptoms can be irritating and disruptive when trying to rest, a few simple home remedies can provide relief. Done consistently, some of these remedies can even help reduce your symptoms over time.
Massage
Regular massages help alleviate the tension and cramping associated with restless leg syndrome. Massage your legs, ankles, and feet after strenuous activity using a mentholated muscle and joint salve to get the most benefit.
If your RLS is due to a magnesium deficiency, you can also massage your legs with a magnesium-infused lotion to relieve tension and address the deficiency simultaneously.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Hot/cold therapy promotes blood flow, reduces muscle cramping, and alleviates itching and tingling associated with RLS. You can use hot or cold therapy alone or combine them to get the benefits of both.
Hot therapy encourages blood flow and soothes tense muscles. Soak in a warm bath for 15 to 30 minutes before you begin your nighttime routine to help your legs relax. Add up to ¼ cup of Epsom salts for a soothing magnesium boost.
Cold therapy alleviates pain and swelling and reduces uncomfortable sensations. Apply a cold pack to your legs over a thin layer of clothing for 10 minutes at a time to get the most benefit.
To combine these therapies, alternate using hot and cold packs on your legs for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
Compression
Compression socks for restless legs may be the simplest, most consistently effective home treatment for RLS. Constant, evenly-distributed pressure along the calf provides many of the same benefits as a massage, including inflammation and pain relief, better circulation, and more relaxed muscles and tendons.
The best part? You get these benefits for as long as you’re wearing your compression socks, and they’re safe to wear all day!
For the best results, choose compression socks for restless legs that deliver between 20 and 30mmHg of pressure—the same range of pressure we offer at Nurse Yard.
Find a Pair of compression Socks to Help With Your Restless Legs
Nurse Yard’s compression socks for restless legs are designed with your comfort in mind. From the strategically placed cushioning to the graduated pressure and arch support, they’re made to support your circulatory system and alleviate tension so you can fully relax.
If you have RLS or other conditions like shin splints and want to sleep more deeply and prevent muscle tension, order Nurse Yard’s compression socks for restless legs today.