Restless Legs Awareness Day 2024 is on Monday, September 23, 2024: Do I have restless leg syndrome?

Monday, September 23, 2024 is Restless Legs Awareness Day 2024. Restless Legs at Night? — Don't Assume That Your RLS Symptoms Are Here to Stay. Learn More Here.

Do I have restless leg syndrome?

First of, find a new doctor.

You don't have to be "insane" to have restless leg syndrome, in fact, it has nothing to do with your sanity. No one really knows what causes RLS, however, it has been associated with chronic illnesses, some medications, pregnancies, etc. But, again, don't listen to your doctor because I know several people who have RLS (my brother, a friend, etc), and none of them have any mental disorders (approx. 12 million people in the US have it).

For your RLS, I recommend you see a neurologist. There are medications you can take for it, however, if it is not affecting you too much it might just be better to live with it. But, go to a neurologist and they can help you make that decision.

info on restless leg syndrome?

info on restless leg syndrome?

There's a wealth of info on RLS I've just copied the highlights from several web sites for you below (included the link for each).

Good luck to you and your wife. Most importantly I hope she has an understanding doctor.

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides the latest information about restless legs syndrome (RLS). The three goals of the Foundation are to increase awareness, improve treatments, and through research, find a cure for RLS, a condition which severely affects the lives of millions of individuals.

Mayo Clinic - Coping skills

RLS is generally a lifelong condition. Living with RLS involves developing coping strategies that work for you. The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation recommends these approaches:

Talk about RLS. Sharing information about RLS will help your family members, friends and co-workers better understand when they see you pacing the halls, standing at the back of the theater, or walking to the water cooler many times throughout the day.

Don't fight it. If you attempt to suppress the urge to move, you may find that your symptoms only get worse. Get out of bed. Find an activity that's distracting. Stop frequently when traveling.

Keep a sleep diary. Keep track of the medications and strategies that help or hinder your battle with RLS, and share this information with your doctor.

Rise to new levels. You may be more comfortable if you elevate your desktop or bookstand to a height that will allow you to stand while you work or read.

Stretch out your day. Begin and end your day with stretching exercises or gentle massage.

Seek help. Support groups bring together family members and people with RLS. By participating in a group, your insights not only

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long.

In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. In other cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Some medicines can also cause temporary RLS. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol may make symptoms worse.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques and moderate exercise during the day can help. If those don't work, medicines may reduce the symptoms of RLS.

Medications

Daily drug treatment is usually recommended only for people who have RLS symptoms at least three nights a week, or as determined by your doctor. Keep in mind that medications used to treat primary RLS do not cure the condition, but only relieve symptoms. People whose RLS symptoms occur sporadically may be prescribed medication to take only when they have symptoms.

The following medications are the most widely prescribed to treat RLS. They may be given alone or, in certain cases, in combination. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment plan for you.

restless leg syndrome help please?

restless leg syndrome help please?

Hi, I'm a trustee for RLS-UK, a charity providing support for people with RLS. You may like to look at our website for more information . We produce a newsletter 4 times a year, run a helpline and produce literature about RLS. We are also trying to increase awareness of the condition amongst the medical profession and the general public.

We have a very good discussion forum which is useful for exchanging information and advice about medications and tips. It is also a useful site to 'let off steam' with other fellow sufferers who know what it's like to live with RLS.

On a personal note, I completely sympathise with what you're saying as I have RLS too. Like many sufferers, it took me some time to be diagnosed and to find treatments that worked for me. Thankfully, it is largely under control now but I still have bad days. I hope this information helps - good luck!

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