If you suffer from restless leg syndrome then this one simple thing could help you
As many as one in 10 people are affected by restless legs syndrome at some point in their life
WRAPPING up your foot is the key to provide relief for sufferers of Restless Leg Syndrome, say researchers.
The common neurological disorder, also known as RLS, affects as many as one in 10 people in the UK and causes legs to twitch uncontrollably.
It can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms tend to be worse at night and can cause anxiety and depression.
But now researchers from Lake Erie Research Institute, Pennsylvania, believe a simple foot wrap could be more effective than current treatments and can cut sleep loss by over 80 per cent.
They tested out a foot wrap device on 30 people who suffer from the condition for eight weeks.
The study published in show how effective the method is compared to standard drug treatments like ropinirole.
Results were recorded using the Clinical Global Impression responses, which measures symptom severity.
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Participants who used the foot wrap showed a massive 90 per cent improvement compared with 63 per cent when ropinirole was used.
There were also fewer side effects than with drug treatment - only seven patients reported side effects including pain, irritability, spasm and pins and needles sensation.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Phyllis Kuhn said: "By putting pressure on specific muscles in the feet, we are able to create a response in the brain that relaxes the muscles activated during RLS.
“It’s a near perfect example of the body regulating itself without drugs, many of which have the potential for significant adverse side effects."
The charity provides information and support for people affected by restless legs syndrome and may be able to put you in touch with other people in your area affected by the condition.
What causes Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
It's a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs.
In many cases, the exact cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown.
But scientists believe a mild dopamine dysfunction of the brain causes muscles to twitch.
Women are twice as likely to develop restless legs syndrome than men especially during pregnancy.
It's also more common in middle age, although the symptoms can develop at any age, including childhood.
Source: NHS