For the last couple of months so have had these weird sensations in my legs. Like a mobile phone buzzing or electric tooth brush. Mostly in my foot and lower calf of my right leg although sometimes it goes to my other leg and lower torso. It’s difficult to explain. I get these sensations al through the day, when I walk around I don’t seem to notice them but when I sit down they are there. My right leg seems to have the sensations more often and my leg does ache during the day, not to the point where I have to take painkillers, just annoying. I do not seem to have trouble sleeping but I have a cool mat for the bed which is amazing.
When I think about it, if I go the the cinema, theatre etc I do get really fidgety and feel and am constantly trying to stretch my legs or change positions.
Been to GP who thought peripheral neuropathy. Had full blood tests and nothing major came to light. I have seen a Neurologist who did a load only sensory tests, looked at my eyes, reflexes,etc. Has requested MRI of spine but doesn’t expect to find anything.
Does this sound like restless leg?
Written by
Suzie109
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Those feelings can be part of restless legs but 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.
Well 1) yes but not arms, 2) yes, definitely sitting, 3) I guess yes as usually on the go in the day, but still feel it when sitting in the day, 4) Yes definitely improve
Have you had your ferritin checked? If so what was it? If not this is the first thing that should be done for RLS.
When you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including in a multivitamin 48 hours before the test, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before and fast after midnight. 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 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), Neupro patch (Rotigotine) or pramipexole (mirapex). 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. (Pregabalin is more expensive than gabapentin in the US.) Beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin) [If you are over 65 and susceptible to falls beginning dose is 100 mg (50 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 as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. 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 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)."
If you take magnesium even in a multivitamin, don't take it within 3 hours of taking gabapentin (it is OK with pregabalin) as it will interfere with the absorption of gabapentin and don't take calcium nor calcium-rich foods within 2 hours for the same reason (not sure about pregabalin).
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 up-to-date on it at
Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, foods high in glutamate, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), collagen supplements, low potassium. eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.
Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennell, low oxalate diet, a low-inflammatory 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 (epsom salts), vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, playing and listening to music, creative hobbies, meditation and yoga.
Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any I may be able to provide a safe alternative.
By the way it would really help us to give you advice if you would indicate on your profile what country you live in. And if you also tell me the city I may be able to give you the name of a knowledgeable doctor on RLS as yours including your neurologist obviously aren't.
It could be. The URGE to move is the most important diagnostic tool.Are you on trigger meds?
Anti depressants, sedating anti histamines, pseudoephedrine(in cold & flu meds), statins, beta blockers, diuretics, PPI meds? Have you started any new meds over the last few months?
The main cause of RLS is low brain iron so RLS patients need high serum ferritin to push iron into the brain. Serum ferritin needs to be above 200ųg ideally.
So get the full panel iron blood tests and review all meds.
Only then should you consider meds.
And the UK is years behind in knowledge and treatment. Refuse all dopamine agonists ( Ropinirole, Pramipexole, Neupro).
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.
RLS or not?
Does this sound like RLS to those experienced?
Restless Leg Syndrome?
Does anyone else suffer sensory problems with their RLS?
restless leg syndrome
