Do you have Restless Legs Syndrome?

by Brian White (Subscribe to Brian White's posts)
Apr 26th 2007 8:54PM

Ever find your legs just moving about all over the place? This can happen in bed, while at your desk, while sitting on the couch or even in the car.

This syndrome, called "Restless Legs Syndrome", is being called a "disorder" in many health circles -- but is it really a "disorder"? Is it really a "neurological disorder" characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest? Is it caused by some environmental factor, some genetic predisposition or a combination of both?

That's how it has been termed, and sensations can range from being severe to uncomfortable to irritating to painful. Did RLS exist 40 years ago in the population of the U.S., though? Back then, was it just considered a "nervous tic" more than anything?

If you've received treatment for RLS, I'd like to hear from you. Did the treatment help?

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Comments (7)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Steve Shickles 4-26-2007 @ 11:36PM

I need to look more into this... My legs move all the time..

Joyce 4-27-2007 @ 7:28AM

I am currently being treated for RLS. My Dr. has me on Requip and what a difference it has made. I now can get a full nights sleep.

victoria 4-27-2007 @ 9:54AM

I occassionally have RLS, though I never thought it was a disorder. It seems to be more prevalent when my mind is also restless. I have found that by exercising the affected muscle(s) until I feel the burn (from lactic acid buildup?), the RLS is relieved - no medication required.
As an aside, a cramp in the foot arch can be relieved by simply standing on both feet - this might work for cramps in the calf as well.

bren 4-27-2007 @ 10:28AM

It seems to be I have a mild case of RLS. Before I knew of the term RLS, I use to think I have another case of the 'wigglies'. I called it this because I would find myself wiggling around not able to relax while watching TV or sitting and visiting at the end of the day, or laying in bed in an effort to fall asleep earlier... *am a night owl*. It bothers me the most when I am 'sitting' for long periods of time... *usually at end of day in my case, as I am active* so I find when I get up and begin walking, (in place) and shaking my leg out (like doing the hokey pokey *grin), it will work itself out. If this does not work, I soak in a hot tub, that will help if all else fails. But... I need to soak and not just take a quick bath. The research I have done on it, since hearing the term RLS said it is a neurological disorder that only about 1-4 % of the population has. It varies in degrees from individual to individuals. Some have it all day long... and need to be on medication, it keeps them awake. Once I fall asleep mine does not wake me up. I have observed my habits, it seems to be mine is aggravated if I eat sugar in the evening, and lack of *water in my system *which brings on leg cramps*. Whether I am on my feet a lot or not, does not seem to bring it on.... I normally notice it in my body after I have been sitting a while.... hence my need to 'shake it out'. It is like my body is trying to relax but can't because it has too much energy, which has all been sent down into my legs from my brain and I need to shake it out before I am able to be fully relaxed. I know we are each unique, so I hope this helps someone.

Glori 4-27-2007 @ 11:04AM

Yeah, it existed way back when. I remember my former mother in law complaining about it (this would have been mid to late 1960s .. yes I'm old, lol). The real wonder is that I remember her fussing about this at all ... that woman fussed about everything. But, as irony is the root of all good comedy, i have the problem myself now. It seems the worst was anemia related. Now that the anemia has been treated, bouts are less frequent and much less severe. Still get occasional "zingers" ... it's in no way a cramp ... and my doc recommended clonazepam ... 0.5 mg ... which I quarter. That usually does it. Only once or twice have I had to take another quarter of a pill. I do the hot nightly bath thing too, so if I have the sensation then, I'll know I'll have trouble that night and will take some medication. I have had the rls wake me up after I've fallen asleep (non medicated sleep) on a few occasions. Another interesting point, 99.9% of the time it's in my left leg. If the right leg is involved, it's only after the left has gone completely crazy (this was before I had the clonazepam, by the way). Lastly, the clonazepam does make me sleepy, so if you try it, make SURE you're going straight to bed. The med does NOT affect me the next morning ... I awake completely bright eyed and so forth! Problem, if not solved, under control.

Jen 5-03-2007 @ 7:05PM

I am a Reliv distributor. I know of people who no longer suffer with restless leg syndrome since supplementing with the Reliv products.

alexa 7-26-2007 @ 3:25PM

I've had RLS since 1952 when I was 12. For many years it was only an occasional nuisance and frustration. But now and for several decades it has been a royal problem. Medication, when I finally got some, helps a lot. It loses effectiveness, though, and increasing dosage is of limited value. It is time for a drastic change and I have no idea what other med or meds might help. This is the only one that has worked.