Not sure

[Doggie123-UK]

I am not sure if I have RLS or not, I have always had the need to move my legs when sitting (mainly bouncing them up and down)

But now I find that when I sit down to relax and watch the idiot box I have the sudden urge/need to move my legs/feet after a short time.

Do you think it could be possibly RLS and would it be worth contacting my GP.

I have many health issues including anxiety/depression (I'm also an old fart of 72)

[SueJohnson]

All of the following must be true for a diagnosis of RLS: 1) The urge to move the legs and sometimes the arms 2) The onset or worsening of symptoms during periods of inactivity when lying down and sometimes when sitting 3) Symptoms occur or worsen in the evening or bedtime. They are usually dormant in the morning 4) Symptoms get better when walking or stretching as long as it is continued. 5) Can't be explained by another medical or behavioral condition. Do you meet all of these criteria?

[Doggie123-UK in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you for your reply Yes, mainly when sitting down, but only occasionally when in bed, should I speak to my GP about this do you think

[SueJohnson in reply to Doggie123-UK]

Yes definitely. When you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements 48 hours before the test and fast after midnight. Have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your ferritin to be over 100 as improving it to that helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their RLS and you want your transferrin saturation to be between 20 and 45. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is not between 20 and 45 post back here and we can give you some advice. Above all don't let your doctor prescribe a dopamine agonist like ropinirole (requip) or pramipexole (mirapex) unless there is some special reason s/he feels you need it. They used to be the first line treatment for RLS, but no longer are because of the danger of augmentation. Instead ask your doctor to prescribe gabapentin or pregabalin. Beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin). It will take 3 weeks before it is fully effective. After that increase it by 100 mg (25 mg pregabalin) every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. (You don't need to split the doses with pregabalin) Most of the side effects of gabapentin and pregabalin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin (200 to 300 mg pregabalin) daily." If you take magnesium don't take it within 3 hours of taking gabapentin or pregabalin as it will interfere with the absorption of them and don't take calcium within 2 hours. Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[btthemd]

If you had RLS you would know it. It isn't just sitting down and you want to move your legs. RLS is a problem when your body wants to shut down to sleep or relax and you have this terrible feeling in your legs, arms etc... and it will not let you sleep or relax. I have been up now for over 3 months. That's RLS.

[TheDoDahMan]

I think that the best quick test is: Are you losing sleep because when you lie down, your feet or legs get this jiggly feeling that prevents you from getting to sleep or staying asleep. Those of us who have RLS bad, report only getting 2-4 hours of fretful, non-fulfilling sleep per night.

[Munroist]

It could be RLS and it would be worth discussing with a GP. Sue’s advice is good, the key thing about the urge to move is that it’s impossible to resist for any length of time. Iron therapy is the simplest potential treatment and it’s best to see what your ferritin levels are as Sue says. It’s not clear whether it’s stopping you sleeping or how serious a problem it is for you. That is an important consideration before embarking on medication.

[Joolsg]

Are you on anti depressants/anti anxiety meds? If you do have RLS ( see all other replies) most anti depressants worsen RLS or trigger it in susceptible patients.There are some safe options for RLS including trazodone and Bupropion. Benzodiazepenes for anxiety are safe.

Look at the diagnostic criteria on RLS UK website. The urge to move is the strongest indication that it's RLS.

[Birdland]

If it’s just a bit annoying I would caution to to think twice about starting medication. Sometimes the meds prescribed can creat new problems, especially the dopamine agonists. The treatment for RLS is by no means straight forward. Like others were saying, it could be that eliminating triggers or raising your ferritin could solve this for you. Hope you find what works for you.

[SueJohnson]

Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.