Foot Wrap for RLS

[camperqueen]

Does anyone have experience of using a foot wrap for rls? I would so like to stop or cut down on drugs and have read about studies on the foot wrap that sounded positive.

[Joolsg]

My US cousin sent me the Restiffic foot wrap when I was going through withdrawal fro ropinirole. It didn't help at all but cost her a lot of money. I do think it helps people with very mild occasional RLS but I don't think it helps those of us with severe RLS ( most of the people using this site).

[camperqueen in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks Joolsg, it’s good to get an informed opinion.

Must admit I’m at a loss to know where to go next with my tablets. I am on 250mg Pregabalin and 150mg Tramadol, but get very little if any sleep at night. I get no rls during the day now, but dread night time. Tonight I am finally going to try the maximum 300mg Pregabalin just hoping it works?

[Joolsg in reply to camperqueen]

I would increase the pregabalin slowly by 25 mg every 4 days and monitor the effects. Interesting that the tramadol doesn't help at such a high dose. I note you have been on tramadol for years and wonder if you could be experiencing augmentation on it. It is rare but it does happen. Perhaps discuss with your GP and ask if you could add oxycontin and reduce the tramadol. Tramadol is a synthetic opioid and can cause a number of problems for some. ( I realise oxycontin is also a synthetic but I haven't heard of any augmentation issues with it).

Rather than increase the pregabalin, try switching the tramadol and keep both drugs at a low dose. I take pregabalin only at night an hour before bed and oxycontin 10mg at 9 am and 10mg at 9pm and add 5mg at 2am.

[camperqueen in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks for your help Joolsg. However regarding OxyContin, my GP won’t give it to me - says he will not swop Tramadol for a more powerful opioid. I will try changing the timings though, as that used to work with DAs sometimes.

Thanks again, so grateful for your knowledgeable advice.

[LotteM in reply to camperqueen]

That is a weird reaction of your gp. If you are up to it, discuss the option of oxycontin again and bring along the paper on opioids for RLS : mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

As Joolsg says, your on a relatively high dose of tramadol and still it isn’t effective. Rather than augmentation (worsening if symptoms) you may be experiencing tolerance (med nog longer or less effective), especially if you’ve been taking the tramadol for a prolonger period of time. It is at least worth trying if a far lower dose of a slightly stronger painkiller such as oxycontin will be more effective than your current high dose of tramadol.

Otherwise: second opinion somewhere? E.g. from replacement gp during holidays?

I hope you get this sorted.

[LotteM in reply to LotteM]

Also, look up the NICE guidelines for RLS. Targinact (oxycontin combined with naloxone) is licensed for the treatment of RLS. Maybe that will help too.

[involuntarydancer in reply to LotteM]

I was going to suggest Targinact also - given it is licensed for rls. Sadly this sort of uninformed unhelpful attitude of GPs is all too common. I really wish they could walk a mile (quite literally in many cases) in our shoes.

[Joolsg in reply to camperqueen]

I would see a different GP. As Lotte advises Targinact ( OxyContin and Naloxone to counteract constipation) is specifically licensed for RLS. If you print off the recommendation and show it to the GP, they can’t ignore the evidence.

nice.org.uk/advice/esnm67/c...

My GP was completely ignorant about RLS and the effectiveness of OxyContin at low dose. When I showed her the NICE guidelines she still disputed it saying ‘ Naloxone is an opioid antagonist so it will negate the OxyContin so that doesn’t make sense’ I then had to argue why the Naloxone is added ( it works to stop absorption in the gut and so avoids constipation) but she still wouldn’t listen.

In the end, I asked my MS neurologist to write to her and ask for the prescription. That worked. It’s outrageous that GPs have no knowledge about RLS and the safe, effective use of opioids at low dose.

As you are not getting relief, you will need to persevere ( perhaps take someone with you next time) and print off everything you can, put it in a ring file and ask the GP to take the time to read it. Hopefully, the GP will be open to education and listen.

I’ll keep fingers crossed 🤞

[camperqueen in reply to Joolsg]

I will do as you say, and take my husband with me as well. I have looked at the NICE guidelines, which surely GP should not dispute.

Thank you all so much, the help an encouragement from this site is priceless.

[BeachGolfer]

I’ve used compression stockings and bunch up the sock around the arch of my foot. However, don’t fall asleep like that because it may affect your circulation.

[solticeart]

HI funny I just made a post asking about it too. I saw a article and this woman said they made her feet to hot so she took a small sox rolled it up and put it right under the metatarsal bone behind the big toe ( right under the ball of your foot where that big bone is) and then wrapped an ace bandage around it just don't walk it! anyways I tried it and it worked the first time. I only left it on my foot, yes one foot, I usually get rls in my right leg but it starts in my feet. I do get it in both but not always, it's weird it started in both legs. But i also get it during the day too. I have had it since last summer nonstop and this did work so it sure can't hurt to try it. just don't wrap too tight. my foot tingled and lightly throbbed for a few minutes it all stopped! no feelings, no weirdness and it didn't come back until 5 in the morning and I'd taken nothing for it. ( I use Kratom it the only thing that works and my doc won't prescribe any opiates at all ) so give it a try. if you go to the website you can see what the part that sits in that part of the foot looks like and where to put the pressure of the sox at. good luck! I'm willing to try anything if it's free lol.

[involuntarydancer]

I haven’t tried the foot wraps but I do have a relaxis pad (google it - it’s specifically for rls). I think it might be more effective for those who have not been through augmentation on a dopamine agonist. Since augmentation I suspect my symptoms are more widespread and more difficult to target with a specific device.