Restless Leg Kicks

EXERCISE OF THE WEEK: Restless Leg Kicks

Does any other soon-to-be mom suffer from terrible restless legs? That nagging need to move your legs that can cause intense discomfort and limit your ability to be still or sleep. For me, this symptom is triggered by staying stagnant for too long or night time. Although restless leg syndrome is common among pregnant women, researchers have limited conclusions when is comes to the cause. Some theorize low levels of nutrients including iron and folate or hormonal changes may be to blame. Others believe increased stress or blood flow may contribute to these restless legs.

Regardless of the cause, there is no cure for restless legs during pregnancy at this time. That doesn’t mean we can’t help to improve this symptom and make your legs more comfortable as you wait for baby to arrive!

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I recommend maintaining a regular exercise routine along with a eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins daily to combat this symptom and many others throughout pregnancy. Another way to prevent or improve restless legs is to perform a nightly routine that includes gentle movement, stretching, breathing, and relaxation techniques.

You have taken all of the above steps and still can’t get your legs to calm down when you get into bed? Try my go-to restless leg kicks, which can easily be performed in your bed before you go to sleep or in the middle of the night if you wake up needing to move.

Instructions: Lay semi-reclined with both knees bent up. Hold behind one thigh with both hands to support your leg. Kick the leg straight up, pull your toes back toward you, point your toes away from you, relax your leg back to the starting position. Perform 10 repetitions on each leg and repeat as many times and as often as needed to improve your symptoms.

If you’re ready to kick your restless legs to the curb, call Life Changes Physical Therapy today!