What causes a leg to hurt, and feel like it is moving?

Question

My sister has had leg problems in the past. She has dislocated her knee caps, and dances a lot. she will move about a lot and then shortly after lay down or sit for an extended period of time. Then when she goes to bed she often complains about her legs hurting. She describes it as a pain in her lower leg and says it feels like it is moving but it isn't. What in the world is she feeling? does anyone know what she is talking about? and what causes it?

Answer 1

Not sure, but she could look into seeing if it's RLS...Restless Leg Syndrome. It will drive you bananas if you have it.

Answer 2

this sounds like Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. RLS sensations are often described by people as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. Often called paresthesias (abnormal sensations) or dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations), the sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

The most distinctive or unusual aspect of the condition is that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. As a result, most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Left untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue.

Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Physicians may suggest that certain individuals take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Studies also have shown that maintaining a regular sleep pattern can reduce symptoms. Some individuals, finding that RLS symptoms are minimized in the early morning, change their sleep patterns. Others have found that a program of regular moderate exercise helps them sleep better; on the other hand, excessive exercise has been reported by some patients to aggravate RLS symptoms. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack can help relieve symptoms in some patients.

There are medications that can help this problem. Your sister needs to see A medical doctor for a complete evaluation.