When the legs of an RLS patient receive signals from the nervous system urging the muscles to expand or contract as would be normal in a voluntary command to move, the brain waits for an electrochemical response that the task has been carried out. This satisfies the psyche that the connection was a success in the millions of normal transactions between all systems. However, when there's no cause for a voluntary request for movement but the call is made anyway, the brain tells the muscles to satisfy the command and the person feels compelled to move or suffer a stationary cramp that will build in tension until movement is accomplished. The phenomenon usually occurs in the lower legs; in anatomical geography it's the high-traffic zone for musculature. The largest muscle below the knee is the calf, or gastrocnemius, which is an area in which many people develop varicose veins, another cause of persistent leg cramps due to poor circulation. Underneath the calf is the soleus in the center of the leg. A thin muscle running along the center on the outside of the soleus is the peroneus, and towards the inner part the extensor digitorum longus. The muscle outside along the shin (and one that can harbor seriously painful cramps) is the tibialis anterior. There are a lot of muscles packed into an area that must work often to walk, run, cycle, or swim through most of the waking hours. Athletes are quite familiar with pulls and strains of the muscles or the tendons attached to them such as the Achilles tendon connecting the peroneus longus to the heel. A torn Achilles tendon or pulled hamstring farther up the leg puts the leg out of action and requires a long period of healing. Although there are cases of RLS in young people, and known as Primary RLS (until recently often misdiagnosed as "growing pains" or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Restless Legs Syndrome is more common in older people and often appears as one passes middle age. Several contributing factors are iron-poor blood (anemia), kidney disease, thyroid problems, pregnancy, Parkinson’s disease, circulatory problems, obesity, osteoarthritis, varicose veins, and disruption of sufficient vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, or oxygen due to chemotherapy or immune disorder. Since the body systems are interconnected, the root cause of one condition may stem from other weak systems. The first reflex of doctors when trying to discover treatments for a disorder is to try pharmaceutical substances relating to similar conditions. Ritalin is used to treat hyperactivity and so was tested as the answer to RLS. Dopaminergic agents, Benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sedatives, anticonvulsants, hypertensive medications (usually used for high blood pressure), even opiates have been used with mixed results as not all patients respond to any one drug. Moreover, anit-depressants and other medications may aggravate the condition. Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are substances that may make the condition worse and cause further lack of sleep. A supplement in a bio-available form consisting of a specially processed and powdered magnesium citrate is readily available on the market under the brand name "All Calm" to alleviate the symptoms of RLS. It is taken orally by a small teaspoon and prepared like tea. The supplement is all-natural and provides relief without side-effects or toxic elements found in pharmaceuticals. Because there is no one cure for the condition, it's likely the safest approach to get proper rest without the annoying need to get up and move around. The most aggravating effect of RLS is the accompanying insomnia. The supplement is also useful to treat people with regular leg cramps that are not due to Restless Legs Syndrome. Like any supplement or medication, check with a doctor before using and follow the instructions so that the correct amount is used. Magnesium citrate is used as a laxative so if diarrhea occurs then follow the advice of your physician. It is recommended to follow the dosage amounts on the label.
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