Cant stop moving my feet when sitting or resting

Hello all.

We asked a member of our health team about your problem and he wrote this answer:

"Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition where there's an irresistible urge to move the legs (or sometimes other parts of the body) to relieve uncomfortable sensations. It commonly affects the legs, but it can also affect the arms, torso, and even phantom limbs.

Here's what you might consider:

1. See a doctor. The first step should always be to see a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis. A neurologist or a sleep specialist would be especially familiar with RLS. While your symptoms might be RLS, it's important to rule out other possible causes.

2. Review your current medications. Some medications are known to exacerbate RLS. For instance, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-nausea drugs, and antihistamines can trigger or worsen symptoms in some people. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.

3. Lifestyle changes. Before considering additional medications, you might want to try some non-drug strategies:

   • Regular physical activity might help, but intense exercise shortly before bed may make symptoms worse for some.
   • Establish a regular sleep pattern.
   • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, especially in the evening.
   • Consider taking a warm bath or using a heating pad or ice pack.

4. Iron and other supplements. Some people with RLS have low iron levels in the brain, even if their overall iron levels are normal. After consulting with your doctor, they might recommend an iron supplement. There are other vitamins and minerals that can play a role as well.

5. Medications. If your symptoms are severe and other strategies aren't helping, there are medications specifically approved to treat RLS, such as pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant). There are other medications used off-label as well. Since you mentioned concerns about taking additional medications, it's important to discuss these concerns with your doctor to weigh the benefits and potential risks.

6. Alternative therapies. Some people find relief from RLS symptoms through techniques such as leg massage, acupuncture, or relaxation exercises like meditation. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of these techniques is still inconclusive."

Hope this helps!