what causes restless leg ??

Question

my hubby moves his leg constantly while relaxing !!

Answer 1

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) (which is also sometimes referred to as Jimmy Legs, Jumpy Legs, Jiggly Legs, Jimmy Jams, Heebeejeebees, spare legs, "the kicks", kicky-outy legs, stretchy legs, or sewing machine foot)[citation needed] may be described as uncontrollable urges to move the limbs to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations in the body, most commonly in the legs, but can also be in the arms and torso. Moving the affected body part modulates the sensations, providing temporary relief.

The sensations – and the need to move – may return immediately after ceasing movement, or at a later time. RLS may start at any age, including early childhood, and is a progressive disease for a certain portion of those afflicted, although the symptoms have disappeared permanently in some sufferers.

As with many diseases with diffuse symptoms, there is controversy, among physicians, if RLS is a distinct syndrome. The US National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke publishes an information sheet [4] characterizing the syndrome but acknowledging it is a difficult diagnosis. Some physicians doubt that RLS actually exists as a legitimate clinical entity, but believe it to be a kind of "catch-all" category, perhaps related to a general heightened sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response that could be caused by any number of physical or emotional factors Other clinicians associate it with lumbosacral spinal subluxations and life stress

Answer 2

Ok, as you can see from your replies thus far there are a few different things. Anything from low electrolytes (Magnesium/potassium) to restless leg syndrome to bad habit. If he can control it then its a bad habit. If it's cramping type pain then it could be an electrolyte issue...if he is on certain meds it can affect your potassium stores (lasix, hydrochlorathiazide). Lastly with restless leg syndrome it is typically, but not always, at night a feeling that you need to move your legs sometimes with pain. The over the counter treatment is tonic water (or gin and tonic) each night. THere are a number of meds that you can get from a doc that can also help but are more expensive

Answer 3

I suffer dreadfully with twitchy legs, and mine goes back to me having an operation 6 years ago and the physio telling me to keep my legs moving or I could get a DVT or an embolism! Since then my legs are never still, and I only came out of hospital last week from having another operation with the physio's word ringing in my ears yet again! It's a good job I live on my own or I would drive someone crazy!
This website has some interesting things on RLS though, it may be worth your while to have a look at it. Just think of this though, while your husbands legs are twitching he is keeping his blood flowing and is less likely to get a DVT than you are as you sit for hours on end at your computer!

Answer 4

It might be nothing, but one of the many conditions that it could be, has been attracting interest for a couple of years, is called restless leg syndrome, though it also involves getting pain at night. Some doctors feel it is a Parkinsonian variant, and it does appear to respond to anti-Parkinson's drugs. Or he could just be a fidget!

Answer 5

caffeine ,like strong cofffee has been blamed but the latest theory I have read is a slight brain malfunction that can also cause heart defects. I don't feel any problem though. I've suffered with it for years and my wife got me to wear bed socks this keeps the leg warm and definitely helps . I also think exercise helps. Gentle massage also helps. So I think sitting too long and restricting blood flow and being on ones feet all day don'thelp .As when I've been carrying stuff all day and my legs ache is when it starts.

Answer 6

I was in a restaurant last week and this chap was at the table opposite. He bounced his legs up and down for a full 30 minutes without stopping. Everyone was looking. It was most annoying, because nobody could concentrate on anything else. It wasn't just restless legs, it was a real bouncy bouncy fidgetty thing. And he just read his newspaper the whole time.

Answer 7

Try a Yahoo search for "restless legs syndrome" + causes.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Generally its a sub-clinical magnesium deficiency. Get some magnesium supplements from a health food shop. Magnesium citrate is cheap and easily absorbed.

Answer 10

the nerve endings that go to the muscles are too active.I get them in the back of my legs & around my knees,even in my arms & around the elbows.It's crazy when you're trying to sleep & in the middle of the nite it wakes u & it lasts for 1 - 2 hrs.
You have to get a referral from your DR. to a sleep clinic.When u r diagnosed, there's medication u can take for it at nite.