for years now i have been having pains in my legs (feels like growing pains) that it only feels better if they are massaged heavily or I take ibuprofen. Recently, especially today I've been very shaky in my arms and hands almost like I haven't ate in a while but it occured right after eating dinner and earlier today. It is even hard typing this. I'm not sure if this could be a sign of restless leg syndrome but in other parts of my body? I'm having difficulty bc in my legs it is painful too.
Written by
teaprincess
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I’ve just been driven from bed by strong movements in my left leg. How inconsiderate of it! Seriously, doesn’t it know it’s not even 5am?!
Welcome! Like Madlegs said (as he so eloquently stated, his advice is the best. Seriously, Madlegs?🤔), magnesium tablets are very good since one of the things magnesium does is help control the contracting and relaxing mechanism in our muscles. Magnesium is also easily absorbed through the skin, so magnesium oil and epsom salts help. (For these latter two: they work very well, but can produce an itching sensation at the site. This is normal, as it is a sign of magnesium deficiency in that immediate area). I use the oil; it’s wonderful for easing the pain!
Yes I definitely have the sensation to move my legs and when I move them it feels better. It is strange bc it's not only at night. It's also in the morning and sometimes during the day
As Pippins has said, it having a urge to move you legs that is one of the important parts of the RLS criteria to be diagnosed having RLS.
Suggests to me a food intolerance. Try a failsafe or RPAH diet.
restless leg syndrome is so specific ( and the same feeling if it occurs in arms, back etc if severe ) it is almost impossible to miss if you look at the specific screening questions on various info websites. it's one of these conditions where you just recognise what folk are talking about if you have it and anyone who doesn't have it just can't tune in to the feeling.
the shakiness some time after eating could be rebound drop in blood sugar ( reactive hypoglycaemia ). it is more likely to occur after drinking coffee too which raises blood sugar, makes you produce insulin to mop it up then it swings down again, also of course after eating sugary foods if you are a rapid absorber. it runs in my family as well as RLS and taking lyrica makes it worse. don't know if any of that rings true with you? this s the retired dr in me talking!
It seems like my legs are almost constantly sore too, not only at night, but also in the morning and sometimes during the day. My aunt recommended a magnesium spray that I am going to try!
There seems to be a standard routine of treatments that all new victims should follow.
This list is an attempt to collect the knowledge of the many contributors to this forum. The points are not necessarily in order but many can be tried at the same time.
1. Do you have Restless Legs Syndrome or some other medical problem? Check the guide to diagnosis on the RLS-UK website at rls-uk.org/diagnosis/
2. List all the drugs you are taking and check with rls-uk.org/treatment/ and a couple of smart doctors to see if any of them are likely to be causing the RLS.
3. Some people have tried wearing compression stockings to bed and some say it helps. For $10 its worth trying. I haven’t tried it and I don’t know why I haven't?
4. Drink water or decaffeinated tea and coffee. I have been told by a dietician who specialises in these diets that coffee has a simpler structure than tea so if you like coffee it might be best to just stick with it. A dietician who is familiar with IBS and has some knowledge of RLS recommended 2 litres of water per day. She did not include water in tea or coffee or soft drinks in the 2 litres.
5. Get your ferritin levels and saturation measured. If your ferritin is less than 200 then ask your doctor for advice on raising it to 200. Many people say 100 is enough but it seems agreed that 200 is safe so I think the highest safe level is a useful target. But check with your doctor in case you have a specific medical condition that makes iron bad for you.
6. Take Vitamin B12 and Folate. This works for some people. I take them in the morning.
7. Try magnesium spray or oil rubbed on your legs. This helps some people I know. I have tried taking Mg supplements Mg Diclycinide I think is recommended. Taking Mg orally used to give me bad RLS but it works for some. I am still experimenting with it for myself.
8. Try the FODMAP diet and/or the low chemical diet for 12 weeks to see if you have one or more food intolerances. I found that I was lactose intolerant and just cutting out lactose produced an improvement. You can use almond milk and in Australia you can buy several brands of lactose-free cow's milk. If you decide to try the diet then do it seriously. Keep an accurate food diary. Dont be one of many people I speak to who say my RLS is killing me but I will not give up garlic or onion to eliminate it. For the period of the diets it is probably worth giving up alcohol as well or restricting it to spirits. I can drink a rum and coke of all things. A caffeine and alcohol mix! I have had two in one night and still slept. I advise you to lay off all alcohol until you prove it doesnt affect you. Otherwise you will never really know what causes your problem if it is really a food intolerance problem.
9. Go to bed early. Didn't help me but I have read that it helps others. I have found that being really warm in bed seemed to help. I have a problem with cold feet so I wear slippers in bed and I think I was best when I was just a bit warmer than I was comfortable with. Some nights I dont even kick my slippers off!
10. If you still have RLS symptoms then try the drugs They work for many people for at least a few years. Some for 20 years apparently. I tried these as soon as I found a doctor who believed in RLS and had read about the recommended treatment. (after having RLS for fifty years) After a while the side effects were terrible even though I had a few glorious months of no symptoms. After that it meant trading the enjoyment of my waking life to enjoy being unconscious. Not a worthwhile bargain.
I am sure there are a few other non-drug things that some people have found to help.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome 
Could this be restless legs syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome help
Restless leg syndrome
