Describing RLS

By Joyce Ann Willis

2 min read

I've never been a big fan as to how RLS is described but I've come up with something that most people can relate to. The tortuous sensation of RLS is enough to leave a person in tears and desperate for relief from the sensation and being unable to lie down and go to sleep. You find yourself kicking your legs, moving them, pacing around the room or house, or trying to massage the muscles, especially in the lower legs. One thing I noticed about myself was my left leg was affected every time and occasionally both legs were. I've even experienced it in my arms.

When my RLS symptoms began

My RLS began when I was in grade school and when I tried to explain it to my mother she told me it was growing pains. Since I was familiar with my legs aching at night and sometimes my arms I knew this was something totally different. I think about it now and how I suffered and think, "poor baby". But my mother didn't understand and I didn't know how to explain it to her. That was around 55 years ago.

How to explain what RLS feels like

So that's still a problem for many people, how to explain what RLS feels like. Have you ever had your reflexes tested by your doctor? A small rubber mallet is used to tap an area near your elbows and just below your knees. The knee is called the patellar reflex because it's just below the knee cap or patella. When the sensation is elicited your leg will suddenly jerk or kick and extend for a brief moment. It goes away as quickly as it came. Imagine if that sensation never went away...

Stephen Wright the comedian once said, "Have you ever leaned a chair back and you suddenly feel it tipping back too far and you catch yourself just in the nick of time, Imagine feeling like that all the time". Funny yes but how awful that would be if it were true. That's what RLS feels like. Having your patellar reflex tested and that sensation can go on for hours.

Sit up and listen

Call it what you will be it crawling or tingling or buzzing but if you're trying to explain it to someone who has never had it those words make no impression on them including your healthcare provider. Describing it in a way that's relatable makes them sit up and listen.

I do hope this little bit of information is helpful to those that are having difficulty trying to explain what RLS feels like. Of course, it's subjective and the severity can vary. But to me, it hits the proverbial nail on the head.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RestlessLegsSyndrome.Sleep-Disorders.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Carrjan Member
I’m convinced that my RLS is linked to conditions in my gut, or bladder, and can be relieved by passing wind or better still a stool. Sometimes if in the left leg it’s definitely a sign I need to pass urine. If in the right leg it’s bad news because that seems harder to get rid of. I sometimes get it in the arms as well. But in the night passing wind or a motion aren’t always possible. So I usually try a side leg raising exercise as done in aerobic workout. I do this until exhaustion in the muscles sets in. This can be done in bed.. It usually results in being able to pass some <a href='http://wind.Sometimes' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>wind.Sometimes</a> it wears me out enough to go to sleep. If that doesn’t work I get up and try yoga, squats, stretching. I’ll take diazepam if desperate. Lying on my belly also helps because I can move my feet and legs around as much as I like without disturbing myself too much. It seems to make me pass wind as well, but it makes mh neck ache do I have to turn onto my side eventually in order to sleek. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 That's really interesting, <inline-mention username="Carrjan" user-id="8401481"/>. I wonder if the build-up of gas, stool or urine puts pressure on a nerve. What does your doctor says about it? Regardless, I am glad you have figured out something that helps. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
2. Carrjan Member
 Dr had no comment about it but I’m sure it’s right. The nerves are all connected.
Ray Li Member
<inline-mention username="Joyce Ann Willis" user-id="4111635"/> I totally agree with the description of having your reflexes tested at the doctor's office. I never even thought of that as a descriptor for some of the sensations RLS can cause but yes it's pretty bang on. The way I describe pains to my husband is different than how I describe pains to a doctor. I'll tell my husband it feels like a sword has been shoved into my skull but I would never say that to a doctor. I think being a writer helps me be able to describe pains. I am sorry to hear that you too were a child that was told it was just growing pains. Hope you are managing ok now. 🌈🦄Ray (Team member)
Simone Yemm Member
Thank you for sharing, and I'm sorry to hear you're also suffering.
1. Joyce Ann Willis Moderator
 Thank you Simone. I've had RLS for years, 55 years to be exact.

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