Theory of possible cause of RLS

[marc99]

If we stand back and look at the motions involved with rls it breaks down into 2 distinct moves.The first is a fast jerk or muscle tighten and this is followed immediately by a relaxation of affected muscles. Similar reactions can be likened to braking when driving fast. The foot quickly moves onto the brake and then slowly off again. Imagine you are walking along seashore where there have been reports of broken glass or sea urchins. Your foot pulls back at fastest possible speed should it encounter anything. So maybe rls is associated with fight or flight. The brain pain centre is continually going into flight mode for a few seconds or hours. If this false alarm could be switched off then I think rls would cease. The taking of strong pain killers does switch off (or greatly reduce) this alarm circuit. Please ask you doctor for 10x strong analgesic to try yourself. Good luck

[Hidden]

An interesting theory. The RLS experts say its connected to dopamine and/or iron.

[Jeanniebeannie]

Hi we cant all take painkillers every time our legs get jumpy neurologist told me to think of it as a railway map and that ur wires are crossed and yes what u say sounds partly right but it is like iur vrains are misfiring and why nobody knows when or why it comes on .

[flower-girl]

What you are describing is actually PLMD not RLS. Both disorders are linked but not the same. RLS is an overwhelming urge to move.....PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) is when, as you describe, your limbs move whiteout you having the ability to stop them. For more information RLS-UK is absolutely brilliant. I wish us all well.

[Madlegs1 in reply to flower-girl]

Exactly- Flowergirl. I don't associate hypnic jerk with rls at all.

Just as you describe.

😎

[flower-girl]

Although Madlegs1, even a hypnagogic jerk (the involuntary muscle spasm that occurs just as you drift off to sleep) isn't RLS OR Periodic Limb Movement Disorder! Curiouser and Curiouser said Alice!

[DicCarlson]

On practitioner suggested that the movements in RLS were the body's attempt to stimulate dopamine production. I read also of a "cure" that involves pressuring a board at the foot of the bed to mimic standing that relieves RLS.

[Hidden]

The movements of RLS, is because the dopamine doesnt reach where it is supposed to, it gets blocked.

[janland in reply to Hidden]

Hi

I was interested to read your comment about how dopamine gets blocked.. causing these involantary movements.

I'm not sure if I have restless legs or periodic leg movement syndrome..but..I've found iron and extra b vitamin complex helps somewhat.

I wish I could completely cure it as I have osteoarthritis pain in hips and knees as well.

And so for the continual search..!

Regards

Jan

[LinGriff]

Hi, I am on tramadol for pain as I have fibromyalgia and a few other problems. The tramadol does not seem to affect my RLS I still have pain and creeping feeling in my legs but it has now started in my arms as well. My doctor does not believe that I have RLS he thinks it is just anxiety which causes the movement. I am also on vitamin B12 which I have taken for 9 years now. My RLS started when I was a small child. Good luck with your medication from LinGriff

[padabrad]

I have discovered acu pressure points all over the body for different pains and aches and it works no more drugs natural correction YIPPEEEE

[Memmy in reply to padabrad]

Which are the pressure points for rls. I woyld be so happy not to take medication

[jan_ET in reply to padabrad]

Hello please let me know where they are- would love to try them

Many thanks Jan