RLS-like Symptoms..in arms too?
oblivionenigma posted:
I have noticed that, as I try to sleep, I suffer from two things that seem related. First, I have tingling feelings on my calves that cause me to stretch, strain, flail around, and in general be utterly miserable. When I experience this, I feel like I need to run around for a while. In addition to this, quite regularly I have very similar feelings in my biceps and even forearms. This causes me to stretch and, again, flail about. It makes me feel like I need to jump out of bed and do a bunch of push-ups until I collapse or something.
Nothing seems to fix these feelings... Intense stretching or exercises only help while I'm doing them, then the symptoms immediately return when I lie down again.
Related or not, I also find myself twitching as I fall asleep, often waking me up completely.
These symptoms (mainly the first two) are absolutely agonizing.
Does anyone have any suggestions? And is it possible the arm sensations is essentially RLS in the arms? Thanks for any advice! 
4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:RLS-like Symptoms..in arms too?I have noticed that, as I try to sleep, I suffer from two things that seem related. First, I have tingling feelings on my calves that cause me to stretch, strain, flail around, and in general be utterly miserable. When I experience this, I feel like I need to run around for a while. In addition to this, quite regularly I have very similar feelings in my biceps and even forearms. This causes me to stretch and, again, flail about. It makes me feel like I need to jump out of bed and do a bunch of push-ups until I collapse or something.
Nothing seems to fix these feelings... Intense stretching or exercises only help while I'm doing them, then the symptoms immediately return when I lie down again.
Related or not, I also find myself twitching as I fall asleep, often waking me up completely.
These symptoms (mainly the first two) are absolutely agonizing.
Does anyone have any suggestions? And is it possible the arm sensations is essentially RLS in the arms? Thanks for any advice! <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
Adelaine; responded:
Let me begin by saying that I am not a medical professional.
According to the research I have done, RLS can occur in the arms as well. I have RLS and have had it all my life (My mother tells me that as a child, I would kick all night, but we didn't know anything about RLS at the time). I have also had symptoms in my arms but only occasionally.
Have you tried any RLS treatments? I finally did. My doctor put me on Mirapex, starting small, and for about a year one 0.5MG tablet per night would work. Unfortunately, as time passes it loses its effectiveness and the dose must be increased. I now break some of the 0.5MG tablets in half and take 0.75MG per night.
For me, Mirapex is amazing. No more kicking or jerky movements. I am very good about taking my pills, so one night recently I couldn't figure out why my legs were going nuts as I was watching TV. The next morning my husband said I kicked all night. I looked at my pill box, and sure enough, I had forgotten to take my night pills. So one missed night, and BAM! the RLS is back.
I don't want to sound like a drug ad, but....... Talk to your doctor about what treatment options are available to you
Hope that helps...
According to the research I have done, RLS can occur in the arms as well. I have RLS and have had it all my life (My mother tells me that as a child, I would kick all night, but we didn't know anything about RLS at the time). I have also had symptoms in my arms but only occasionally.
Have you tried any RLS treatments? I finally did. My doctor put me on Mirapex, starting small, and for about a year one 0.5MG tablet per night would work. Unfortunately, as time passes it loses its effectiveness and the dose must be increased. I now break some of the 0.5MG tablets in half and take 0.75MG per night.
For me, Mirapex is amazing. No more kicking or jerky movements. I am very good about taking my pills, so one night recently I couldn't figure out why my legs were going nuts as I was watching TV. The next morning my husband said I kicked all night. I looked at my pill box, and sure enough, I had forgotten to take my night pills. So one missed night, and BAM! the RLS is back.
I don't want to sound like a drug ad, but....... Talk to your doctor about what treatment options are available to you
Hope that helps...
Report This| Share this:RLS-like Symptoms..in arms too?Let me begin by saying that I am not a medical professional. <br><br>According to the research I have done, RLS can occur in the arms as well. I have RLS and have had it all my life (My mother tells me that as a child, I would kick all night, but we didn't know anything about RLS at the time). I have also had symptoms in my arms but only occasionally. <br><br>Have you tried any RLS treatments? I finally did. My doctor put me on Mirapex, starting small, and for about a year one 0.5MG tablet per night would work. Unfortunately, as time passes it loses its effectiveness and the dose must be increased. I now break some of the 0.5MG tablets in half and take 0.75MG per night. <br><br>For me, Mirapex is amazing. No more kicking or jerky movements. I am very good about taking my pills, so one night recently I couldn't figure out why my legs were going nuts as I was watching TV. The next morning my husband said I kicked all night. I looked at my pill box, and sure enough, I had forgotten to take my night pills. So one missed night, and BAM! the RLS is back. <br><br>I don't want to sound like a drug ad, but....... Talk to your doctor about what treatment options are available to you <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/sillygrin.gif" align="top" border="0"> <br><br>Hope that helps...
joyjoy600 responded:
I have been suffering from rls for all my adult life. It was only diagnosed about 4 years ago when it was no longer tolerable. I was put on Requip and it has helped. Thank God! I keep having to increase the doseage however. I now have the sme sensations in my arms. The requip is not helping with the arms so I guess I go back to the doctor. But please see a doctor for rls at medication can help.
Report This| Share this:RLS-like Symptoms..in arms too?I have been suffering from rls for all my adult life. It was only diagnosed about 4 years ago when it was no longer tolerable. I was put on Requip and it has helped. Thank God! I keep having to increase the doseage however. I now have the sme sensations in my arms. The requip is not helping with the arms so I guess I go back to the doctor. But please see a doctor for rls at medication can help.
rancidpetals responded:
I haven't been diagnosed with RLS because I haven't been to the doctor about it. I am 26. My RLS bothers me late at night, and most nights are better than others, while some, like tonight (it's 4:30AM) I can't sleep at all. It seems to have started in my right forearm. It started in my left calf. I get the urge to clench my muscles. That's the only way I get relief. Sometimes, I clench so hard I give myself a Charlie-horse. Some mornings I wake up with a massive Charlie-horse when I had a bad episode of RLS the previous night. My mom has RLS, too, but her's doesn't seem to be as bad as mine.
Report This| Share this:RLS-like Symptoms..in arms too?I haven't been diagnosed with RLS because I haven't been to the doctor about it. I am 26. My RLS bothers me late at night, and most nights are better than others, while some, like tonight (it's 4:30AM) I can't sleep at all. It seems to have started in my right forearm. It started in my left calf. I get the urge to clench my muscles. That's the only way I get relief. Sometimes, I clench so hard I give myself a Charlie-horse. Some mornings I wake up with a massive Charlie-horse when I had a bad episode of RLS the previous night. My mom has RLS, too, but her's doesn't seem to be as bad as mine.
bubz77 responded:
Based on what I've read, I guess I have a relatively mild case of RLS. Mostly in my legs but sometimes in my arms too. My legs act up when I'm tired, but I've noticed the symptoms go away if I lie on my stomach (yay, no drugs!). But sometimes I'll wake up at night and have it in my arms as well, or if I'm REALLY tired it will act up. I've read on another blog that some people get relief from moving their hands (crochet, play an instrument, etc) so maybe that will be worth a try. An advil will usually help me enough so that I can sleep. I can't recall ever having symptoms when I'm well-rested.
Report This| Share this:RLS-like Symptoms..in arms too?Based on what I've read, I guess I have a relatively mild case of RLS. Mostly in my legs but sometimes in my arms too. My legs act up when I'm tired, but I've noticed the symptoms go away if I lie on my stomach (yay, no drugs!). But sometimes I'll wake up at night and have it in my arms as well, or if I'm REALLY tired it will act up. I've read on another blog that some people get relief from moving their hands (crochet, play an instrument, etc) so maybe that will be worth a try. An advil will usually help me enough so that I can sleep. I can't recall ever having symptoms when I'm well-rested.
Helpful Tips
Insomnia
I have had insomnia for about a year. Giving up dairy products has helped immensely. Not only has the gas problem been relieved but also ... More
Was this Helpful?
1
of
2 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health Sleep Disorders Center
Other Sleep Disorders Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.