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Does RLS affect other parts of your body?

Aside from your legs, what other parts of your body are affected by RLS?

  1. feet, arms, hands and sometimes torso.

    1. it effects my arm and shoulder.

  2. hands arms feet

    1. Only in my legs but I've had it since I was six and I'm 81 now. For most of my life I couldn't explain it and doctors didn't understand. When the meds finally came out my life was changed.

      1. hi, may i know what meds you are taking? I am 35 years old and was just diagnosed with PLMD. I am afraid of taking meds because of the long term side effects. Are there any meds you recommend that has minimal long term side effects? Thanks in advance

      2. Hi . Your concern is understandable. If you are looking for some alternative treatments, here is an article about devices that can help with RLS that might interest you: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/treatment/devices. Here is another article about lifestyle changes and home remedies: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/lifestyle-changes. I hope this helps. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)

    2. Occasionally, I get symptoms similar to RLS in or on my chest. Harder to move one's chest than the legs.

      1. Sorry to hear about your impossible symptoms. Mine also occasionally creep into my chest. My sleep doc is "the" RLS person in the Boston area (a neurologist and psychiatrist), and excellent IMHO. While I'm not always symptom-free, I'm doing quite well on a regimen of Gabapentin (Neurontin) and a small dose of oxycodone. Also, for traditional insomnia -- as if we need that, too -- I sometimes take one of a new class of sleep meds called oxexin antagonists. Remarkable med.

      2. I was being treated for RLS by my PCP, but started seeing a neurologist. Instead of upping the dose when a med doesn't work, he switches me to a different medication. He is so understanding, while others treat me like I need a psychiatrist. I started having strange feelings and pain in weird places after a stem cell transplant. He is the only one who listens and works with me to find relief. I highly recommend you see a neurologist to help you find relief.

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