New to RLS

[Rachelelizabeth]

Hi I'm new to this forum but think I have had RLS since my daughter was born 4 years ago. I had bad sciatica when pregnant but I'm not sure if there is a link. It mostly affected my right side and I get occasional hip spasms and infrequent excruciating cramps in my right calf at night. Now I get almost nightly cramps across my right foot and creepy crawly legs which give me poor sleep in the early hours. I also find if I sit up in bed for too long my calf seizes up. I saw a doctor and had some physio but it hasn't really worked. I've had blood tests which showed nothing. Doctor prescribed Quinine for cramps which did seem to take the edge off but I don't like to take it long term. I also take a iron supplement and have tried magnesium spray. I regularly go to the gym and do Pilates classes. I'm still not sure what the triggers are- is it a diet, musculoskeletal, hormonal or a neurological issue for most? I should go back to the GP as it seems to be getting worse but I'm not sure what to say. Last time they didn't seem to know about RLS.

[Madlegs1]

Rachelelizabeth-"the only thing that accords with a rls diagnosis in your description is the creepy crawly feeling in your legs.

The rest sounds like neuropathic / nerve issues related to your sciatica situation.

Yes - all sorts of things set of rls- antihistamines, antidepressants, alcohol, sweeteners , high salt , and msg-- just a short but not conclusive list.

Maybe you recognise a few friends??

Good luck.

Check out this site and

rls-uk.org

rlshelp.org

Cheers.

[Hidden]

I think the best thing hun is go back to the doctor but look at the web page first so you can tell him your symptoms. Yeah lots of things can trigger rls but it’s awful to have without any help or support xx

[involuntarydancer]

Sadly it is not unusual to find the medical profession somewhat limited in their understanding both of the condition and of the treatments so it is advisable to inform yourself as fully as possible both about the condition and about the usually prescribed drugs which all bring their own set of problems. It is not uncommon for RLS to come on in pregnancy. The condition is characterised predominantly by an overwhelming urge to move, often triggered by a creepy, crawly type sensation. It is usually presenting in the legs but can also be in arms, torso etc. Quinine has no impact on RLS but improving iron levels (serum ferritin) can have. I hope you find a resolution.

[nightdancer]

RLS is a neurological disease. Has nothing to do with muscles, bones, etc. It is connected to the dopamine system in the body, and the dopamine receptors in the brain. 70% of all RLS is genetic. Cramps are a completely different thing than RLS. You must not be in the US, since Quinine is banned in the US, except for malaria treatment. You are right not to want to take it long term, it is not going to help RLS one bit. If you are getting wicked muscular cramps, magnesium is good for those. RLS is the urge to move that you absolutely cannot ignore. Sciatica is a nerve problem and is not connected. irlssg.org gives the diagnostic criteria for RLS. Not really seeing where your symptoms are sounding like RLS, except the phrase "creepy crawly legs". YOU MUST have the urge to move that you cannot ignore and you must get up and move. The link I gave you is the International group that sets the official diagnostic criteria.

[Rachelelizabeth in reply to nightdancer]

Thanks. I know a lot of my symptoms don't match RLS but I wondered if it was all connected. Yes I am in UK, where they are happy to prescribe Quinine. I'll give Magnesium another go as I wasn't very consistent in taking it. I was trying the spray. The creepy crawly sensation is a more recent thing and my legs often feel 'heavy' or 'twitchy' if I have been lying or sitting too long. It is hard to keep track of symptoms when I am only half awake when they are happening. I have to tread my feet down to stop the cramp feeling and don't need to get up but usually I am wriggling around in the bed and symptoms disappear once I get up. I'll look at the website but I'm worried that my GP will just give me drugs.

[Neil46]

When I was suffering with bad leg cramps I was advised to take a quarter teaspoon of sea salt in a pint of water and sip it during the evening. That worked for me and sea salt is good for you anyway so I use it instead of table salt - now I rarely get cramps. I hope it might do the same for you.