Restless Legs, anybody?
 

Does anyone else suffer with restless leg syndrome when they fly? I've heard that eating lots of potassium-rich foods for the last couple of days before flying will help - does anybody know? I guess repeatedly kicking the people sitting in front of me is out of the question...

Oh my gosh, that happened to me on a flight from Las Vegas to NY in February. I thought I was going to lose my mind, since it kept waking me up(took the red eye). And here I thought it was the half dozen margaritas before we left LV. So, what does one do?

My medical consultant says: Are either of you taking any prescription medicines that might depelete the body's potassium?? <BR>Diuretics, including those drugs commonly given for high blood pressure, and some steroids can deplete potassium levels. <BR> <BR>Also restless leg syndrome has been associated in a few cases with calcium depletion. <BR> <BR>She suggests that if the problem really bothers you, you should see an internist who is up on chemical imbalaces in the body. The problem can be non trivial as you have experienced. <BR> <BR>

http://www.rls.org/about_rls/default.asp#Cause <BR> <BR>I suggest that you read the above article. The problem is quite complex. <BR>There is actually an RLS Foundation. <BR>

What is restless leg syndrom exactly? I also get the strangest feeling in my legs after a few hours on the plane, and I would always describe it as a "restless" feeling, and the only way to feel better was to walk around and stretch. But I'm thinking this is normal, and not some medical condition. Am I right?

http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/19...9/evidente.htm <BR> <BR>The above web site has an article on Restless Leg Syndrome. The authors state that 10% - 15% of the population has some form of the problem. <BR>But if you are concerned, read the article. It is somewhat technical, <BR>but the bottom line for us is that the problem does exist in some people. <BR>It is not a figment of the imgination in all cases. And if the problem causes you trouble, then a consult with a qualified physician is in order. <BR>