Not sure if it's rls: For years now I... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Not sure if it's rls

Jenn1974 profile image
8 Replies

For years now I've had this feeling on the inside of my elbow down to my fingers like there is a tingling or even as I describe it bugs crawling up and down my arm. I want to jump out of my skin. The only thing that helps it is taking a rolled up sock and placing it in the crook of my elbow and putting pressure. Then and only then does it stop and I can sleep. It used to only happen when I was hot now it's anytime. Can someone shed some light on this for me.

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Jenn1974 profile image
Jenn1974
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8 Replies

Hi, if you Google for Klingelhoefer restless legs syndrome 2014 you will find a key latest paper for RLS whcih includes the symptoms needed for diagnosis. I suspect you don't meet them. One key question is: ""When you try to relax in the evening or sleep at night, do you ever have unpleasant, restless feelings in your legs can be relieved by walking or movement?" Are your symptoms worse in the evening?

Have you checked the symptoms for peripheral neuropathy to see if this is closer? And crucially perhaps, can you link them to your work - is it your right arm, are you right handed, do you use the computer a lot on a desk where you might not realise the relative height of desk and mouse are putting a strain on your lower arm? My guess is that it is computer linked. RSI rather than RSL.

Jenn1974 profile image
Jenn1974 in reply to

It happens in the evening and sometimes wakes me up at night. I am right handed and it is in my right arm. I do not work on a computer at all.

Yep, I agree. Sounds sort of like what my sister has dealt with for years. A neurologist finally got it diagnosed as abuse in earlier years from over-exercising. It probably is physical stress related to computer or over exertion or something, repetitive motion of some kind. She was into body sculpting and managed to tear up her shoulder in the process, and now, 20 years later, her hand falls asleep. Too bad we can't have hind sight when we're doing this stuff when we're young!! Sounds like you may have messed up your elbow joint somehow.

cumoneileen profile image
cumoneileen

I get a crawling sensation just before my legs kick out that's how I know I am in for it!!

not doing so good at the moment, been prescribed hypothyroid tabs and I think they might be interfering

with my ropinirole. have to wait and see on that one.

Pippins2 profile image
Pippins2

Jenn goggle RLS-UK diagnostic criteria to see if it applies you to you.What you don't mention in your post is the urge to move ehich is absolutely crucial to any RLS diagnosis .I would therefore say it is doubtful you have RLS

justcrazer profile image
justcrazer

sounds like a pinched nerve

justcrazer profile image
justcrazer

i dont think it is RLS a pc thing

Maybe see your GP and ask for a referral to a physio? Can you think of anything else you do/have done with your right arm? Digging? DIY? I had RSI quite badly in both arms (mine was due to intensive computer use), the arm pain did wake me at night. Sounds hopeful that physio might be able to diag and to improve it, though you might have to pay for private physio after the NHS has gone through its miserly allocation... worth a go? Or has the GP not proved helpful?

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