My painful restless legs are stopping me from relaxing. I’m desperate for help – Dr Zoe gives health advice

OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who is suffering from restless leg syndrome.

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Q: I HAVE restless legs and have been prescribed ropinirole at bedtime.

The dose started low and has been increased over several months.

I also take paracetamol and gabapentin three times a day.

The involuntary, painful spasms and jumping seem to start when I sit or lay to relax, often curling my toes up.

I’m desperate for advice.

A: It sounds as though you are experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to move the limbs (usually the legs), accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.

Symptoms tend to be worse at night and often affect sleep.

It’s not really understood why people get this, and there’s no known cure unless it’s linked to an underlying, reversible condition.

Iron deficiency can cause it, as can certain medications, including some anti-nausea drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics and antihistamines.

Ropinirole used to be recommended as first-line treatment, but the guidelines have changed and now gabapentin (and similar drugs) are advised as first-line.

As you are already taking both, and your symptoms are still not controlled, it might be worth your GP getting some advice from a neurologist on how best to amend your medications.

It may also help you to reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, sleep well and be physically active.

To relieve an attack, relaxation, stretching, walking or massage can help.

RLS-UK (rls-uk.org) has useful advice and resources, too.

• Email your health queries to Dr Zoe Williams at [email protected]