RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Please share your experiences, successes, and failures in using non-drug therapies for RLS/WED (methods of relief that don't involve swallowing or injecting anything), including compression, heat, light, stretches, acupuncture, etc. Also under this heading, medical interventions that don't involve the administration of a medicine to the body (eg. varicose-vein operations, deep-brain stimulation). [This forum contains Topics started prior to 2009 that deal with Non-prescription Medicines, Supplements, & Diet.]
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Stainless
Posts: 322
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2015 9:30 pm

RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by Stainless »

Last few weeks I get symptoms in one leg but not the other. At first it was primarily in the right thigh and that was weird enough but then changed to the left with the right calm. This is during a relatively mild cycle of RLS where I hit the hot tub, do meds, get to sleep relatively quickly but wake up several times with one thigh in significant pain and restlessness. I get up, go to the couch and use the percussion massage gun for relief and get back to sleep relatively quickly. Has anyone else experienced this?
Lissa496
Posts: 72
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2023 1:44 pm

Re: RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by Lissa496 »

My RLS typically affects only one leg at a time and will switch to the other leg without any reason. It will also switch from thigh to calve and back.

I'm sorry you're experiencing this. I find using a wedge pillow at the end of my bed helps a little bit, as it raises my legs above my heart. Last night, I paced back and forth for an hour until the pain and creepy crawlies were not so bad, and the pillow worked better.

For some reason, my meds don't work every day or for a few days, it's like they decide to take a vacation and I am in so much pain and restlessness, then all of a sudden the meds start to work the next day.

Good luck! Lissa
ViewsAskew
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Re: RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by ViewsAskew »

Same here - it can be both or one and the one can switch.
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

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Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.
badnights
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Re: RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by badnights »

I had it in both legs (and arms) for years. But for the last 4 years or so, it is way worse in the left side, or even restricted to that side.
Beth - Wishing you a restful sleep tonight
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Stainless
Posts: 322
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2015 9:30 pm

Re: RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by Stainless »

I'm going through another change in symptoms. As soon as I lay down, after a hot tub session or very hot bathtub, taken all my meds, and get into bed my thigh muscles tense up and are very painful. I can now only fall asleep on my stomach. If I roll over in my sleep it does not wake me up but when I do I am immediately in pain. I only get through these changes hoping one day I lay down and it has all gone away. I've lost hope a medication or device will change this.

Right now I'm a little apprehensive with Holiday travel lined up. At least at home I have more control. When you are sleeping in someone else's house or even a hotel you can't go wondering around at 2 am.
Lissa496
Posts: 72
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2023 1:44 pm

Re: RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by Lissa496 »

Due to the pain, are you sure you are not low on potassium? I get painful leg and foot cramp's when I have low potassium, I keep potassium tablets handy incase.
debbluebird
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Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 3:27 pm

Re: RLS getting Very Bizarre affecting just one leg.

Post by debbluebird »

Mine is usually in my right leg. When it's bad I feel it in my right groin. Then going into the thigh and then down. Rarely I feel it in my left leg. Mine originates from.my back.
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