Anyone know about 'restless legs'?

[Sparklingbrook]

My friend suffers, but I don't know much about it. She is seeing a consultant-but what can they do?

only that magnesium supplements can help

There isn't much that can be done about them. Mine come and go, worse if I have caffeine after 6pm or so or get very tired. They can be really debilitating as its impossible to sleep with them. So difficult to describe the sensation to others as well! I have to get out of bed and walk around, sometimes helps.

I did read somewhere that masturbating before sleep can help but I'm not commenting on that!!

Your friend has my sympathies, restless legs are so annoying.

She couldn't explain exactly what it feels like either. It sounds horrible. Does anyone know what causes it?

Will look into the magnesium-thanks New.

I get them - being very tired is a trigger. It is very hard to describe, but my legs just don't relax, I just feel a compulsion to move them so even though I'm really tired I can't get to sleep and end up getting up and walking around. It's weird and very annoying.

(I'm saying nothing about the masturbation cure)

had them in pregnancy. drinking lots of fluid helped..

I used to get it if I was super tired in the evening. I lost a lot of weight and haven't suffered since. It was really horrible.

Restless leg syndrome is a well known side effect of chronic anaemia. I had this very badly when my ferritin levels were very low. Disappeared after treatment.
Perhaps she should check with GP if this is what's causing hers.

Magnesium supplements or oil to rub on legs, also Bathing in Epsom salts may help absorb more magnesium.

Also perhaps an iron deficiency.

Rarer a sign is nerve damage, I have something akin to restless leg/ arm syndrome as a side effect of trapped nerves and other damage to nervous system. I take a very low dose of amiltriptaline which helps enormously, from every night to very occasionally. I don't think it would work on restless legs without a specific cause though...

I get them - have one now! I don't think there's a definitive cause or cure. But I have tried just showering the leg with cold water before and I think that worked a bit - stimulates blood flow. Otherwise, tonic water (for the quinine) and bananas (potassium) are meant to be worth trying

Poppy its interesting to hear about the iron levels. I have been getting it recently but put it down to tireness (new baby) I lost alot of blood during the birth so might get my levels re checked.

She is seeing the consultant today, I don't know what sort of consultant. It is really upsetting her.

Taking iron really helps as I used to get it when anaemic, make sure the blood test is for ferritin levels they check at GP's not just a full blood count as that doesn't always show how iron store levels are in the body. I would just take some ferrous sulphate tbh and see if it helps you can't really fathom how bad restless legs are unless you have it because it disrupts your sleep so badly.

A consultant for restless legs! I can't believe that! It isn't that bad. It is annoying, can come on or be worse in pregnancy but in general is just an annoying thing. I found banana helps and an aromatherapy rub .

Tonic water!! Cured a friend of mine.

It isn't that bad! Are you having a laugh? It can be awful, can't sit down at all in the evening, spend the night pacing about which makes you more tired then it gets worse.

Whenever I eat anything containing sulphites in the evening I get restless legs. Lots of things contain sulphites but biggest culprits for me are sausages, bacon and wine!

Well she had a GP referral birdy so at least he thought it was bad. It is really upsetting her and she is so tired.
I haven't managed to speak to her yet.

It is horrible - you cannot not move you legs - trying to keep them still is horrendous. :(

Upping my exercise (just fast walking, nothing too strenuous) stopped mine almost immediately.

Not that bad?!

It's terrible at its worst

I suffer on and off and also now have restless arm after an accident.
I find magnesium supplements have helped.

I suffer from this. It is horrible.

Although I haven't had it for a little while, I need to have a ponder about what I'm doing differently that seems to have stopped it.

I used to get this a lot during and after pregnancy, but took up dancing and I never get it any more. I take three classes a week and am now pretty fit and have fairly toned legs, so I don't know whether it is a fitness thing, improved circulation, muscle tone or what. Also because I am out three nights a week at class I sit on the sofa a lot less :-) I would imagine any sort of exercise would help. Of course if she is already a marathon runner or something I am talking through my hat.

No-not a marathon runner. Fairly sedentary lifestyle, but not overweight. I will try and get hold of her today and see what the consultant said and pass on your suggestions.

She has taken to sleeping in the spare room I know that.

I get it during pregnancy and quite a bit at the moment as I'm 31 weeks with ds3.
Being tired definitely makes it worse. I stretch my calf, feet and thigh muscles before bed, have warm baths, keep my legs raised when possible, take vitamins and keep a thin pillow between my legs.
The desperation can be pretty overwhelming at 2am when your legs won't stop moving so I think its important to get up, walk around and take your mind off things.

I thought taking up running (and have been doing it for a while now) would help, but it hasn't really :(