pain in feet

[Tired01]

I have had rls for many years and had various medications. What I find is that my rls settles and then moves into a different area of my legs. Feels like I can never get on top of it. Recently though it seems to be on the top of both my feet and is agony. Does anyone else have it in their feet or is this something else?

[Munroist]

It doesn't sound immediately like RLS but many people do get pain with RLS. I'm sure you already know but the main distinguishing features of RLS are:

It is normally worse in the evenings and at night and often improves during the day

It feels like an irresistible urge to move and can be painful as well

It is relieved, temporarily at least, by movement

If you have ever taken a dopamine agonist and the symptoms stopped straight away then it's likely that it is RLS. However pain in the lower legs can be down to other causes as well such as sciatica or peripheral neuropathy.

[SueJohnson]

Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help, support and understanding here.

It is definitely not sciatica (I have it) as that would be pain running down the back of your leg and I doubt it is peripheral neuropathy since you say it moves into different areas of your legs and now is pain on top of your feet. Some people with RLS do have pain in their feet so I suspect it is RLS.

Are you taking a dopamine agonist like ropinirole (requip) or pramipexole or Neupro (rotigotine)? If so you may be suffering from augmentation. Let us know as if that is the case we can help you.

If not let us know what medicine you are taking or have tried.

[SueJohnson]

Have you had your ferritin checked? If so, what was it? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not when you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including multivitamins that have iron in them 48 hours before the test, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your transferrin saturation to be over 20% but less than 45% and your ferritin to be at least 100. If they are not, post them here and we can give you some advice.

Meanwhile 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, eating late at night, estrogen including HRT, 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, fennel, 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, CBD, 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, vibration devices, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse

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.

[Strike26]

Absolutely part of RLS in my opinion. I had thought this was peripheral neuropathy and a number of other conditions. I’ve had so many tests, all of which come back as normal (to my surprise if I’m honest). I am left with RLS as the cause and then having to be very careful about the treatment for it. So far, pain control, pressure socks, creams and it won’t go away, but it is improved.

[4inthemorning]

Yes, I have those symptoms in addition to the leg movement. The pain in the feet for me is always in the same place backside of my ankle but it goes away and I generally don’t have it now that I’m not on a dopamine agonist. My experience is that for sure RLS gets worse with any kind of stress, and that’s when it shows up in my feet.

[Matrix]

Yes I know what you’re talking about , if I don’t get up out of bed at night quick enough it goes into full body it’s miserable . I just walk up and down my hallway for hours . 🤗🤗