Pet Peeves in Describing RLS, (and this is everywhere, on every site that has to do with RLS.)

[nightdancer]

Sooooooo many people have so much trouble describing RLS, this may be a helpful hint for some of you. This is about the use of the word "cramp" when used to describe RLS. RLS is not cramps in any way shape or form. Nocturnal leg cramps are muscular, like those charlie horse cramps that make you want to just scream. RLS , to be distinctly diagnosed, the person must have that "uncontrollable urge to more". Moving relieves RLS somewhat, but most of the time when you stop moving, it comes back and bites you again. This can go on all night and into the day. Cramps are not RLS. RLS is neurological and cramps are muscular. RLS has nothing to do with muscles, in and of itself. You can have both conditions, the cramps and that "urge to move". Lots of doctors and patients mix cramps up with RLS, and then you are in a mess. So, we need to eliminate the use of the word cramp to describe RLS. When someone tells us they have cramps, we do not actually know if you have RLS or just cramps. See the confusion?? Cramps is not a word to use to describe RLS at all. See Quinine blog, per RLS Foundation newsletter (USA) also, for info on this subject in a minute after I put it up.

[Rish]

I agree and believe me you know the different s between cramp and RLS !

[eileen49]

they are incomparable - cramps are extremely painful and RLS is extremely irritating !

[Scottie99]

When I get a bad attack, it is not just an urge to move, my legs go into an involuntary spasm and 'shudder' on their own.

If this happens when I am driving, I have to stop and get out and walk about and wait till my Requip kicks in.

[Hidden]

= )

[Hidden]

Thanks nightdancer. for giving an explaination on the cramps and RLS. So many get it wrong, including doctors....!!

RLS can be painful just as cramps can. I have painful RLS, my calves, my ankles can ache so much, deep in my leg, feels like its muscle pain, but i KNOW its not, its part of my RLS..

[peterk]

You don't get cramps with RLS that's something different. You can get though muscle faciculations. And yes RLS can be very painfal without any doubt. I know, mine is painfal as well as sensory.