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Suggest Treatment For Restless Legs Syndrome

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Posted on Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Question: At night while I am in bed asleep ,I wake up with a tightness in my muscles through out my body. Unable to relax, my lower body starts to shake as if receiving an electric shock. My legs will kick for about 30 to 40 seconds. When this stops, I am unable to fall back to sleep for at least an hour or two. Some nights it occurs two or three times and consequently I am not getting enough sleep.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Might be restless legs syndrome, neurological therapy available

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

this can be a neurological condition called restless legs syndrome. Neurological therapy is available, usually the treatment is as follows:

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. In addition, review all medications you are taking with your doctor to determine if any of these drugs could be causing the problem.

Any underlying medical conditions, for example anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson's disease, should be tested for and treated. An EEG should be done too. For some people, these treatments are all that is needed to relieve RLS symptoms.

You may also benefit from physical therapy and self-care treatments, like stretching, taking hot or cold baths or whirlpool baths, applying hot or cold packs to the affected area, limb massage, or vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes before bedtime.
Exercise and relaxation techniques also give you relief.

There is also medication available like dopamine agonists and others, best to consult a neurologist nearby to confirm the assumed diagnose and get specific treatment.

Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (22 hours later)
I appreciate your response to my question which was very helpful, however, I should clarify that my legs are convulsing and jerking rather than just involuntary movement. I cannot stop the convulsions and go into an anxious state. When this happens I try stretching or a pillow between my legs which does not give me relief. I am not a smoker, I do not drink alcohol or caffeine. I have not changed my medications in about 4 years.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Restless legs or anxiety problem possible

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

thank you for your clarification. From your specified description it seems that other than RLS an anxiety issue is also possible. Your local neurologist should be able to distinguish between both and suggest proper treatment. In case of anxiety this can be special medication like antidepressants and short term use of tranquillizers, best advisable in that case is also cognitive behavioral therapy as well as relaxation techniques. Good thing you don't consume nicotine, alcohol or large amounts of caffeine in any case.

Best regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 535 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Restless Legs Syndrome

Brief Answer: Might be restless legs syndrome, neurological therapy available Detailed Answer: Dear Patient, this can be a neurological condition called restless legs syndrome. Neurological therapy is available, usually the treatment is as follows: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. In addition, review all medications you are taking with your doctor to determine if any of these drugs could be causing the problem. Any underlying medical conditions, for example anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson's disease, should be tested for and treated. An EEG should be done too. For some people, these treatments are all that is needed to relieve RLS symptoms. You may also benefit from physical therapy and self-care treatments, like stretching, taking hot or cold baths or whirlpool baths, applying hot or cold packs to the affected area, limb massage, or vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes before bedtime. Exercise and relaxation techniques also give you relief. There is also medication available like dopamine agonists and others, best to consult a neurologist nearby to confirm the assumed diagnose and get specific treatment. Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards