Opinion from anyone that has been diagnosed with rls / restless legs or those with arthritis of the legs.?

Question

Firstly, I'm 29 and this problem began when I was about 21. I am wondering if others with rls would say my symptoms seem to be like theirs. I would also like to see what anyone with arthritis thinks. I have always thought I must have rls but now am unsure because of the sensations some with rls decribe. I hear a lot of people with rls talking about twitching or "creepy crawly" feelings. That doesnt seem to happen with my condition. Mostly, I would describe it like a tight cramp which usually begins in either the arch of my foot, my calf, or the back of my knees. It spreads into a dull ache or cramp that overtakes both legs (usually both) that is only relieved by motion or massaging (and only temporarily.) Sometimes my legs do jerk as a way of responding to the cramps. It only happens with my legs. It also usually only happens in the evening. It has been alot worse during my preganancies.
Thanks. I will vote for good answer and give rating.

Answer 1

The fact that it only happens in the evening and that you have twitching that massage provides only temporary relief from would indicate it's RLS.

Arthritis is a dull ache in the joints and usually is more painful in the morning.

I have heard that RLS does get worse during pregnancy.

There are two medications that work quite well on RLS, Requip and Mirapex. But, you will have to be officially diagnosed by your doctor to get a prescription.

Good luck. I hope you feel better.

Answer 2

I've had reactive arthritis in my ankles, back and neck for 30 years and have been diagnosed with rls in sleep studies, but I have none of the creepy crawly feelings usually ascribed to restless leg. The muscles in my arms or legs twitch from time to time when I'm awake, and people have always said I twitch a lot as I'm falling asleep.

Having been the type that always seems to come up with some ailment that is similar to a known medical condition but doesn't have all the proof, I've come to accept diagnoses where my symptoms don't necessarily match everyone else's.

For instance, I've been diagnosed as having fibromyalgia, even though they can't say I have the proper number of trigger points necessary for meeting the "official" criteria. However, I have responded to treatment for fibro, so that must be what I have, or at least it's the closest thing they have to call it at this point in time.

As a matter of fact, my fibro pains started out something like you describe. In my case, I felt like I had pulled a muscle in the arch of my foot, even though I hadn't done anything that would have cause a pulled muscle. It didn't seem to ease at the speed a pulled muscle would, and lasted maybe two weeks. At which point it seemed to "jump" to my other foot. The first foot stopped hurting when the second one started. Over time the pains would move from place to place in my feet - across the top (beneath the shoe laces if I had shoes on), in one or another toe, back to the arch, etc. I had no idea what was going on.

Then suddenly it started up in my back, near the shoulder blades. Same symptoms: felt like a pulled muscle, hurt at the same level for days or weeks then moved somewhere else. Eventually I began to notice something more like the dull ache and/or a "buzzing" feeling in my neck and the top of my shoulders. Maybe this is what others describe as the creepy crawly thing.

When I heard about fibromyalgia, I realized that must be what I have. Then I recalled ten years earlier when a rhumatologist said I had "fibrositis" (an early term for fibromyalgia) in my wrists and forearms. I'd wake up in the morning with that dull ache, and the muscles there would feel very tired. The doctor said I was probably sleeping with my hands clenched into fists and that was causing fatigue, so he gave me muscle relaxers to take before bed. They never seemed to work, but I still took them for years.

Finally I got relief when I went to an Integrative Care facility. The MD there sent me to his chiropractor, gave me some supplements and had me take something called a "Meier's Cocktail", vitamins and minerals that are given in a kind of IV process. I started feeling better within a week after years of fibro pain.

Once I stopped the regimen however the fibro started coming back. I went to a new Integrative doc for convenience and though I was marginally better, I wasn't feeling nearly as well as I had before. Then summer came, I went on a vacation where I was walking nearly all day, and though I was exhausted and the arthritis would flare up, the fibro magically disappeared. That's when I realized that the one element all the doctors had been telling me about but that I always put off was the key. It was exercise.

Now I try to walk a mile or two every chance I get (which works out to be 3-4 times a week), take the supplements (mostly fish oil) and try to get enough sleep. This has kept the fibro at bay.

So, I suggest you go to an Integrative Care facility and see what they think. Expect to get some supplements and possibly chiropracty or acupuncture, and be told to get regular, light exercise. If nothing else, do the exercising. Some say swimming is best. Bike riding or walking might work as well. And when you're feeling really bad, go for a message.

That's my story. I hope it at least gives you a little more information to work with. If you have questions you can always email me at [e-mail]. Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 3

Yep, you're describing RLS. Hubby does the jerking really badly. Mine is like a deep creeping feeling inside and I am forced to move my legs. Anyway, we finally found something that gives us relief! The ONLY THING hubby and I both have ever found that helps is "MaxxiRub", a product containing Emu Oil. We put it on our legs and low back each night and get a good night's rest. I can't tell you how wonderful this product works......order a jar and see for yourself. I get the six pack now and it last me and hubby using it every night, for 9 months! Very economical for that amount of use and duration.
Here's the link:
http://www.uniquelyemu.com/maxxirub.htm

I'm recommending it to all my friends for just general aching of arthritus, inflammation and RLS.
We Love It because it works!

Answer 4

I have RLS and also arthritis. It sounds like you have the start of arthritis. I would ask the doctor about taking magnesium along with calcuim to help with the tightening of your calf muscles. I suffered for a long time before I finally went to the doctor. I take the supplements I listed along with Glucosamine and Chondroitin which seems to really help.

Answer 5

It all adds up to the same issue. You'll have to go through a serious of tests to make sure this isn't a vessel syndrome, then of course a heart problem. After all the test are in the doctor may want to try you on "Re quip" it comes in .25 to 1.0 and is taken twice a day, works wonders.

Answer 6

I used to have feelings like this b/c of arthritis. I took half a xanax to calm my legs down. It worked.

Answer 7

I have juvenile arthritis, and most of my pain is centered at my joints in my knee caps. So, it sounds nothing like what I have. Have you had it looked at?