Is there anyone out there with Restless Leg Syndrome? I'm sure you have seen commercials about it on tv, unless you are like me and tune out all the commercials. I have it but it isn't as bad as a friend of mine. She gets it in both legs and says it's painful. Mine is always in my left leg and just feels like I have to keep moving it, almost like I'm antsy. And it usually happens when you are trying to sleep. Some people say to walk around and it helps, but it doesn't. As soon as you lay back down, it starts up again. Aggravating!
Maybe I'm just a little irritated because I've been up for 24 hours. I'll probably be sitting here typing or doing something else around the house when I crash. Then I will have to drag myself upstairs to lay down on the bed.
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Some people use over the counter Quinine for this problem. You might check with your pharmacist they may have something to recommend. I have pains in my legs that keep me awake, but it's not restless leg syndrome and I don't have to move them around. Mine is some kind of genetic nerve disorder that seems to be progressing. The Docs don't even have a name for it, so they call it my Genetic Nerve Disorder.
I can sympathise, I have RLS really bad and it's worse with pregnancy! In my case, it seems to be related to calcium and magnesium - Calcium before bed (cheese, milk, even indigestion tablets) make it worse, and taking a magnesium supplement makes it easier. The other helpful thing is hubby running a massager over my legs, especially at the back of my calves, that usually eases it enough so that I can sleep.
Good luck finding your solution!
I sometimes think I have it, because I have a hard time falling asleep with this "busy" sensation on my legs. Hubby rubs it, my calves esp., and it helps tons! I've had knee pains since I was little, so I just see the leg issue as an added bonus on those days when i have both and just want sleep.
There is so much misinformation about RLS. While it was identified many years ago, docs didn't start researching it until recently. Quinine, magnesium, and calcium will not help, unfortunately. They do not know the exact cause, but it's somehow related to low ferritin levels in the brain (a type of iron), inappropriate dopamine regulation, and potentially cells not working correctly in the brain. RLS can be primary or secondary. Primary is often genetic and secondary is caused by things like celiac disease, pregnancy, kidney failure, certain medications, and other conditions.
The RLS Foundation is a great place to go for accurate information. They have information you can download, such as pamphlets to take to your doctor if you need surgery.
I understand what you mean when you say walking doesn't help. It helps only while you walk, but as soon as you stop? It's often back again.
Have your doctor check your ferritin levels in your blood; if it's below 50 (some doctors even say if it's below 100), then take oral iron to improve it. In some people, this stops all RLS, in others it helps, and in others does nothing. But it's a first step and doesn't require a prescription. Just do not take iron if your ferritin is over 100 (it can cause problems). So, always have it checked before taking iron.
JAL, thanks for the info! I actually have to take iron 3x's a day. I do take anxiety meds also--so maybe that has something to do with it, or I'm still not getting enough iron ???
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