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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Restless legs - posting for traffic

38 replies

deflatedbirthday · 21/05/2022 23:46

I usually take 30 mg Amitriptyline at night as I suffer with night time joint pain due to fibromyalgia and hyper mobility, in addition to poor sleep.

I used to suffer with terrible restless legs which the medication has eased drastically.

My prescription has been delayed and I have not taken the tablets for 3 nights.

Aside from an increase in pain, the restless legs tonight is almost having me in tears. It's like the very beginning of cramp constantly in my thighs, calves and feet.

Does anyone have any home remedies I could try? I have slept so poorly for the last two nights without the Amitriptyline. I'm exhausted and I I just want a comfortable night 😞

OP posts:
AiryFairy1 · 21/05/2022 23:52

Not very scientific but when I had restless legs in pregnancy someone suggested putting a potato in my bed and weirdly it seemed to work.
hope you can get some rest op…

CornishPorsche · 21/05/2022 23:54

Magnesium?

thinkfast · 21/05/2022 23:55

Putting your feet up in a cool pillow often helped me. Also trying perhaps either a hot water bottle or a cold water bottle (ie a hot water bottle half filled and chilled in the freezer)

user1471504747 · 21/05/2022 23:55

Had this regularly for awhile too OP, it sounds ridiculous but it is one of the most upsetting and frustrating experiences. Mine turned out to be iron deficiency related.

I found a warm or cold compress on my legs helped, so they were still getting some sort sensation. Helped ease the muscles too.

Failing that do you have any night tablets for cold and flu? Won’t help your legs but might help you sleep.

Flowers
CherryRipe1 · 21/05/2022 23:55

Sympathies op. I have autoimmune problems & suffered similarly. Weighty covers may help? I know it's not the weather for them though. Have you got any Epsom salts? Bathing in that might help. CBD oil can take the edge off sometimes. Hope you get your medication soon. 💐

Original poster
deflatedbirthday · 21/05/2022 23:56

@AiryFairy1 at this point I'd sleep in a bath of potatoes if it would work!

@CornishPorsche does that work for immediate effect do you know? I don't have any but I could potentially get some for tomorrow night until I can get my prescription

OP posts:
PickAChew · 21/05/2022 23:56

Stack. Heavy-ish blankets on your bed. Not so heavy they hurt your your feet, obvs.

KpopArmy · 21/05/2022 23:56

I wish I could help you OP. My symptoms seem to have appeared once again in the last week, and it’s so stressful. I mustn’t complain though, as yours sounds much worse.

For me, I find walking around or flexing ankle helps. If I don’t go to sleep quickly, it catches me out, sadly.

I hope you get your meds soon.

PickAChew · 21/05/2022 23:57

Or, tight leggings. You need the pressure on your knee and ankle joints, somehow.

ThreeLittleDots · 22/05/2022 00:01

I keep WELL hydrated, take 400mg active magnesium bisglycinate with calcium and vit D at bedtime plus (but this possiby isn't safe with your amytriptylene) 100mg of 5-HTP.

Original poster
deflatedbirthday · 22/05/2022 00:02

Thank you all so much for your responses!

Mine seems to be linked to anxiety and poor sleep the previous night. The Amitriptyline was helping both in addition to the joint pain. It's been marvellous for me.

My anxiety is the worst it has been in six months today. I'm worried about not getting a good nights sleep, I can't sleep because I'm worried and my legs are hurting, rinse and repeat.

I've tried warm baths etc but it makes no difference once I'm in bed... maybe I should sleep in the bath!

It's actual quite a comfort, in a strange way, to know that people here know why I'm going out of my mind! DH is sympathetic but has never experienced it so can't quite understand what I mean.

OP posts:
Original poster
deflatedbirthday · 22/05/2022 00:03

And I have taken a Kalms night tablet in desperation!

OP posts:
Pikapi · 22/05/2022 00:04

YMMV but it really helps me if DH firmly grips my ankle and pulls firmly towards himself slowly, one leg at a time. Not so much that it hurts, but to do a really good stretch and hold it for 20 seconds or so. I've never been able to stretch far enough to achieve the same results alone, but the relief is instant and let's me fall asleep.

PurpleTygrrr · 22/05/2022 00:06

I suffered with this awfully in pregnancy so you have my sympathies. A banana before bed helped and also magnesium spray on my feet.... you can get it next day on Amazon 

user1471504747 · 22/05/2022 00:07

Are you able to put something on in the background like a lighthearted tv show/film or an audiobook?

The more you think about it the worse it gets. I used to find if it was bad one night it would be even worse the next, because I would work myself up about not being able to sleep the night before and thinking about it made me focus on it.

If you sleep on your side bending your knees so you’re almost in foetal position, with a fusion or pillow between your knees may help too.

Can you tell I tried everything and anything I could think of Grin

moggerhanger · 22/05/2022 00:08

My sympathies OP - I only get this sporadically but when I do, I'd happily saw my own legs off if it meant I could sleep.

I found cold baths and foam rollering helped. Plus lying with both legs propped up the wall, so that the blood pressure lessened (something I learned in long-ago yoga classes). Not for more than 5 mins at a time, but often it eased the maddening crawling feeling enough to let me drop off.

But, as you've identified, amitriptyline was the best treatment. I hope you can get some soon!

Pikapi · 22/05/2022 00:09

Pikapi · 22/05/2022 00:04

YMMV but it really helps me if DH firmly grips my ankle and pulls firmly towards himself slowly, one leg at a time. Not so much that it hurts, but to do a really good stretch and hold it for 20 seconds or so. I've never been able to stretch far enough to achieve the same results alone, but the relief is instant and let's me fall asleep.

I just reread your OP and see you have hypermobility and joint pain so this might actually be an awful idea...! Ignore me, I shouldn't be posting so late at night.

DelilahBucket · 22/05/2022 00:09

Stretch in the evening with lots of deep breathing, not just your legs, the whole body, and really concentrate on those breaths. Go to bed before getting too tired as this is a huge trigger and if you can, lie on your front, or some variation.
And honestly, come off the painkillers. They don't work with hypermobility pain. There are much better ways of handling your pain, Pilates being one of them, but physio led, not any old class. I have several years memory gap from all the painkillers thrown at me due to hypermobility syndrome and I was still in pain all the time. If you can afford it, see a private physio. Just one appointment will make a huge difference if you follow their advice. You can feel better, you don't have to put up with it.

goodsturdygirl · 22/05/2022 00:10

Yes stretches! Lots & lots of stretches. Really hold them too for as long as you can. This always helps me.

Nat6999 · 22/05/2022 00:15

A hot bath & a weighted blanket are useful,put Epsom salts & magnesium flakes in the bath. You can order the flakes & blanket from Amazon.

Original poster
deflatedbirthday · 22/05/2022 00:18

The Kalms seems to be working in that I feel sleepy.

I'm stretching as much as possible which does seem to be helping.

I'm 32 and feel 92!!

OP posts:
TheTonEffect · 22/05/2022 00:21

Mine is iron related, so I take iron tablets if I can feel the beginnings of it coming on. Before I discovered that, I followed Dr Jo's restless leg stretched on YouTube which was time consuming but provided relief.

Original poster
deflatedbirthday · 22/05/2022 22:48

Well... I managed a decent nights sleep but woke up in agony with joint pain. I've battled through the day but the restless legs are kicking in once again!

Hopefully I can get a prescription tomorrow!

OP posts:
CPL593H · 22/05/2022 22:52

I found tonic water (the gin is optional Grin) helped and when I researched it a bit, it's apparently the quinine and a Known Thing. May be worth a try. Commiserations Op, it is miserable.

NailArtAddict · 22/05/2022 23:20

I was coming on to say tonic water! Make sure it's got quinine. Not all do.

Apparently mixing it with alcohol isn't recommended. Boo!

I notice a huge difference when I miss mine for a night or 2. I buy the mini 150ml cans and was dubious to begin with as there's mixed messages about effectiveness but tried it when my GP told me about it. I I actually have restless arms! Now my legs have started too and can't take any meds for it due to other prescriptions I'm on.

Give it a bash. You honestly do get used to the foul taste after a while!

Good luck 🌺