Periodic Limb Movement Disorder : How Homeopathy Can Help

D

Dr. Vikas Sharma MD

Guest
It refers to a condition in which there occur repetitive twitching or jerking movements of the legs and sometimes arms during sleep. The movements occur about every 20 to 40 seconds. These may continue for minutes or hours during sleep. There are numerous homeopathic medicines for periodic limb movement disorder that are prepared from naturally occurring substances that can be very helpful in treating this condition. PLMD Homeopathy

It is also considered a sleep disorder because this movement disorder occurs specifically during sleep and disturbs the sleep resulting in sleepiness during day time. It is also sometimes called periodic leg movement during sleep (PLMS).

Causes​


PLMD is classified as primary and secondary. The exact reason behind primary PLMD is still not known. It is often linked with disturbance in the nerve regulation that carries messages from the brain to limbs, but there are no specific studies that confirm this link. This type is uncommon. In the case of secondary PLMD there is often a link to an underlying medical problem. First medical condition linked with it is anaemia (a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells that can carry sufficient amounts of oxygen to the body tissues). Second condition is narcolepsy (a chronic sleep disorder in which the sufferer has intense drowsiness during the daytime and has sudden attacks of sleep. They have difficulty staying awake for a long time period and can sleep any time at any place irrespective of the circumstances and surroundings).
Next medical condition is restless leg syndrome (RLS) which is a neurological condition characterised by irresistible desire to move the legs due to unpleasant sensations felt in the legs that occur specifically in the evening or at night time while sitting or lying down. Another condition is diabetes mellitus.
Lastly, OSA means obstructive sleep apnea is linked with it. It is a serious sleep disorder in which there occur momentary pauses in breathing several times during sleep.

An injury to spinal cord or tumour of spinal cord are also linked with. Some other factors that can contribute to it include deficiency of iron, use of certain medications like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antihistamines. It may also follow after stopping use of sedatives like diazepam.

Symptoms​


Its main symptom is repetitive movements in one or both the legs during sleep. The movements occur during the non rapid eye movement phase of the sleep. During movement the bending of hips, knee, ankle, or big toe may occur. The movements may be slight or strong like kicking. The movements occur every 20 – 40 seconds.

It can sometimes even occur in the arms also. The movements may lead to poor, restless sleep and sleeplessness. Persons with it may wake unrefreshed and in day time they have excessive sleepiness. It may lead to tiredness, irritability, poor memory, concentration problems, behaviour issues and poor performance at school or work from sleep problems. Some people with this disorder may also complain of symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is to be noted that around 80% of people with RLS also have PLMD. People with it may not be aware of the leg movements and are only noted by bed partners.

Though it can occur at any age but is common in middle aged and elderly people. Both men and women are equally affected with this condition.

Homeopathic Medicines for Periodic Limb Movement Disorder​


Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for cases of PLMD. Because of natural origin of homeopathic medicines for periodic limb movement disorder, these are very safe and gentle to use without any sort of side effects. With its use the intensity and frequency of the jerks in the limbs start to decrease gradually. The most suitable medicine for a given case of PLMD is selected based on the individual symptom presentation. It is best to consult a homeopathic doctor for prescription of medicine who after detailed case analysis can suggest the most appropriate medicine that can be beneficial.

  1. Zincum Met – Top Grade Medicine​


Zincum Met is one of the best medicines for treating this disorder. Persons needing it have jerks in the limbs during sleep. They may have jerked mostly in the left sided leg during sleep. Sometimes they have twitching of the left arm during sleep especially in the morning. It is also leading medicine for restless leg syndrome. In such cases excessive uneasiness is felt in the legs at night. This lead to urge to move the legs constantly

  1. Cuprum Met – For Jerking of Arms and Legs​


It is another beneficial medicine for PLMD treatment. It is indicated when there is jerking and twitching of the arms and legs. In case of twitching in the lower limbs these are drawn backward. Jerking may also be there in the hands and feet. Excessive weakness in the limbs may attend these symptoms.

  1. Lycopodium – For Jerking and Restlessness in Legs​


It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. It belongs to the family lycopodiaceae. Use of this medicine is recommended for jerking and restlessness in the legs at night time. Along with jerking of the limbs there is restless sleep with no ease in any position. There occur frequent waking from the sleep. It leads to unrefreshing sleep.

  1. Kali Carb – For Uneasiness and Jerking of Limbs​


This medicine is considered when there is uneasiness and jerking of the limbs. The limbs may also feel heavy with this. These may also feel tired and cold. Due to uneasiness in the limbs there is desire to move them. Jerking of the legs on falling asleep occurs where it is needed. Next jerking in the muscles of hips and the thighs also indicates its use.

  1. Sulphur – For Jerking of Limbs on Going to Sleep​


This medicine is considered when there is jerking of the limbs on going to sleep. It appears suddenly. Heated sensation in the feet may be marked with this. There is irresistible drowsiness in the daytime in cases requiring it.

  1. Cinnabaris – For Painful Jerking in the Leg​


This medicine is well indicated when there is painful jerking in the leg after sleeping. The painful twitching tends to awaken a person from sleep at night. Tearing pain in the legs may be present. The feet may be cold with this. Sleepiness in the daytime may occur due to sleeplessness at night.

  1. Ignatia – For Limb Jerks when Falling Asleep​


It is prepared from plant Ignatia Amara having the common name St. Ignatius’ Bean. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is a very beneficial medicine for persons having limb jerks when falling asleep. They may also have a crawling sensation in the limbs. Sometimes they feel tingling in the limbs. Lastly it is also one of the well-indicated medicines for persons who have complaints of sleep jerks through the whole body.

  1. Natrum Mur – For Leg Jerks and Twitching in Thigh Muscle​


This medicine works well in case of leg jerks and twitching in the thigh muscles. In cases requiring it, drawing sensation may be felt in legs. Sometimes there is heaviness of the legs and feet.
Lastly, there can be restlessness in the legs with the need to move them constantly.

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