Dear Dr. SerVaas: I read the letter about restless legs by Judy Reader. We are not all alike when it comes to cures, but I rub my legs with Sports Cream, which I get at the Wal-Mart store. Massage well on the back of the thigh and calf of the leg, as well as the knee joint. It gives me almost instant relief, and I can sleep all the night long. I also do exercises to help. I place my hands on the wall at arm's length, raise my self on tiptoe, hold a second or two, then power down with a bouncing motion. I do this about 12 or more times. I then stand about 14 to 16 inches back from the wall, and with my left foot behind the right, I touch the wall with my forehead, keeping both legs stiff--this stretches the thigh and calf muscles. I then do the next exercise with the left foot behind the right, with my right knee bent and keeping the feet flat on the floor. Repeat for 10 or 12 counts, switch feet, and repeat the procedure. This also stretches the thigh and calf muscles.If the person who tries this gets relief, I would like to know. It works for me, especially the Sports Cream.
Earle M. Schad
Mount Ary, Iowa
Dear Dr. SerVaas: I really appreciate the "Medical Mailbox" pages of the Post. In the latest issue, someone wrote about restless legs syndrome. I have found that taking about four ounces of tonic water with quinine before bedtime has relieved my symptoms. The lady who does my massage told me about this remedy.
Virginia Long
Fostoria, Ohio
Dear Dr. SerVaas: I read an article in the July/August 2003 Post regarding RLS, restless legs syndrome. I suffered severe RLS for approximately ten years until my doctor finally realized what I had (RLS).
I wanted to offer another option for the writer who was seeking help: Mirapex. This medication is typically prescribed for Parkinson's disease, but is often prescribed to those with RLS. I have been taking Mirapex for several years, and it is completely effective approximately 90 percent of the time.
Shawn McDowell
Reno, Nevada
Dear Readers: We are happy to hear that Mirapex works for you. The anti-Parkinson's drug has some of the same effects on nerve cells as the naturally occurring chemical dopamine. See page 88 for further information.
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