Best Magnesium for Restless Legs

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, typically worsening at night or during rest. RLS symptoms are relieved through movement, and the condition can significantly disrupt sleep quality—potentially for an extended time as the condition goes undiagnosed or untreated.

While the specific cause of RLS isn’t fully understood, many patients use home remedies and other holistic treatments, such as vitamins and minerals, to supplement professional vein care and provide the best opportunity for long-lasting relief. Magnesium, for example, is growing in popularity for its ability to fight the throbbing, crawling, and aching sensations that RLS can bring.

How does magnesium work as a home remedy for RLS, and does it compare to professional vein care treatments?

In this blog, we will discuss how magnesium counteracts the condition’s pesky symptoms, how to make sure you’re ingesting the mineral’s best source, and why patients may want to consider professional vein treatments as an alternative for long-lasting relief instead of using magnesium simply to supplement their journey to better vein health.

If the idea of long-lasting relief alone is enough to put your legs at ease, you’re likely ready for a consultation with a board-certified physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). Call 240-965-3915 or visit our SCHEDULING PORTAL to book a consultation at a CVR vein clinic near you.

What is Magnesium?

First, let’s take a closer look at the uses and benefits of magnesium. A mineral essential for various bodily functions, magnesium has been studied for its potential benefits in managing RLS. According to MedicalNewsToday, research has found a strong link between RLS and magnesium deficiency. Many RLS patients have reported finding relief from their symptoms through magnesium supplementation, and additional research suggests that this mineral may be the most effective dietary supplement for boosting sleep quality and soothing irritating RLS symptoms.

Magnesium and RLS: What’s the Connection?

How does magnesium work to combat RLS symptoms, exactly? Healthline explains:

“Researchers think that magnesium can help improve RLS symptoms because magnesium makes it easier for muscles to relax. This may be because of its calcium-blocking abilities, which help regulate the nerves and muscles instead of letting calcium ‘activate’ the nerves. If magnesium is low, calcium isn’t blocked and nerves become overactive and trigger muscle contractions.” - Healthline

In short, muscles overactivated by calcium may be a key contributor to many RLS symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about getting enough magnesium in your diet and putting your nerves and muscles at ease:

• The mineral is sold over the counter in various doses and forms, with magnesium oxide being the most common in oral supplements.
• A daily dose of between 270mg and 350mg is typically considered safe for adolescents and adults, but a physician can provide specific recommendations.
• Magnesium-rich foods include avocados, dark chocolate, tofu, dark greens, fatty fish, lentils, whole grains, bananas, and nuts and seeds.

Magnesium and RLS: Potential Drawbacks

Like most home remedies for RLS, magnesium doesn’t come without its disadvantages—particularly regarding side effects. According to WebMD, not only can magnesium supplements interact negatively with dozens of medications, but they can also cause several uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea. When the supplement is regularly taken in doses higher than 350mg per day, excessive amounts can accumulate in the body, which may cause severe effects, including confusion, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, an irregular heartbeat, coma, or even death.

Another similarity magnesium shares with many holistic remedies is its treatment of RLS symptoms rather than the underlying causes. This means that while it may temporarily alleviate the irritable cramping and aching that RLS can bring, it isn’t a universal solution for extended RLS relief—only professional vein treatments can provide long-lasting comfort and help patients sleep soundly at last. Finding effective and long-lasting treatment is crucial for managing RLS symptoms, given its potential impact on sleep and quality of life.

Don’t let restless legs steal another night’s sleep!

While supplements like magnesium may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause of Restless Legs Syndrome. If your legs ache, twitch, or keep you up at night, it’s time to seek real, lasting solutions. At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein specialists address the root cause of your symptoms, providing expert diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments that deliver lasting relief. Reclaim restful sleep and a better quality of life with care from the nation’s leader in vein health.

Including Magnesium in Your RLS Care Regimen

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects everyone differently, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While the exact cause is still unknown, understanding contributing factors can help identify potential triggers and guide how magnesium might fit into your care plan. It can also shed light on potential RLS triggers, which include:

• Genetics: A family history of RLS can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

• Iron deficiency: According to Everyday Health, low iron levels in the brain can trigger RLS. Lower iron levels may lead to a reduced level of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate motor control and movement.

• Pregnancy: RLS affects about a third of women during pregnancy and peaks in the third trimester, as per Verywell Health.

Now that we’ve discussed how magnesium contributes to proper muscle function, where to find the mineral both naturally and in supplement form, and the potential symptoms and triggers of RLS, let’s discuss how professional vein care addresses the root cause of RLS, making magnesium a welcome addition to your treatment routine, rather than the treatment method, itself.

Minimally Invasive Vein Procedures That Help Relieve RLS Symptoms

Professional vein treatments directly address the root cause of RLS if symptoms are caused by venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins in the legs have trouble pumping blood upward and back to the heart. This causes blood to pool in the lower extremities, contributing to poor circulation and exacerbating the uncomfortable sensations of tingling, crawling, and itching associated with RLS.

During a vein evaluation, a vein care specialist uses diagnostic tools to identify vein issues and then provides tailored treatments to enhance circulation and alleviate your symptoms.

Vein care physicians treat venous insufficiency with methods that include sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution called a sclerosant into damaged vessels to seal them off and redirect blood to healthier veins. In severe cases, they may use endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat varicose veins and other venous problems. Both of these treatments aim to increase blood flow and alleviate RLS symptoms, thereby enhancing patients' quality of life.

A vein care specialist can also recommend personalized lifestyle changes tailored to a patient’s health history and current symptoms. These recommendations can include leg elevation, wearing compression stockings, and doing low-intensity exercises to help support long-term relief from leg pain at night.

Combining these outpatient treatments with increased magnesium intake offers the best chance for both short-term and long-term relief from the symptoms and causes of RLS.

Don’t let RLS impede your quality of life due to uncomfortable symptoms or loss of sleep—let CVR’s board-certified professionals help give you the relief you deserve.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does magnesium help with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?


Magnesium helps relax muscles and regulate nerve function, which can reduce the involuntary movements and discomfort associated with RLS. Many people find relief by improving their magnesium levels.

2. Are there any side effects of taking magnesium for RLS?


While magnesium is generally safe, excessive intake can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea. To avoid these, stick to the recommended dosage.

3. Can I get enough magnesium from my diet to help with RLS?


Magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help maintain healthy magnesium levels, but supplements may be necessary for those with deficiencies.

4. Can magnesium interact with other medications for RLS?


Magnesium can interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications or antibiotics. Always check with your physician before adding magnesium supplements to your routine.

5. Can magnesium alone cure RLS?


While magnesium supplementation can provide significant relief for some people with RLS, it is not a cure. RLS is a complex condition, and managing it often requires a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and possibly other medical treatments. Speak with your physician to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your situation.