Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, RLS is a neurological condition that induces the intolerable urge to move one’s limbs to alleviate pain or uncomfortable sensations.
Despite its name, RLS does not only occur in the legs and feet but its effects can also be felt in the arms, head, and torso.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, RLS is most prevalent at night when the body is at rest or late afternoon and evening. Sitting for extended periods can also trigger Restless Legs Syndrome.
Who is prone to restless legs?
RLS can manifest in all kinds of people; men, women, and children alike. It can also begin at any age. However, statistics reveal that it is endemic in middle-aged or older individuals and women more than men.
What causes restless legs syndrome?
Before listing possible triggers for RLS, it is paramount to note that RLS has a genetic component which means the disorder can be passed from one generation to the next. This further leads us to establish the two types of RLS:
Idiopathic RLS
This kind has no known cause or cure. It is also referred to as primary RLS.
Secondary RLS
It is the kind that is triggered by the individual’s external environment. For instance, it may occur as a side effect of medications, or drug withdrawal, among others.
Besides sitting for long hours, other proven scientific triggers for RLS include:
Iron deficiency
Low levels of iron in the blood and spinal fluid can induce RLS.
Studies conducted on individuals suffering from RLS, through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), reveal a lower iron content in the brain compared to healthy individuals without the disorder. This section of the brain is known as substantia nigra.
Low levels of dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter hormone used in the brain to control muscle activity and motor skills. When this chemical is deficient, RLS symptoms may manifest.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for patients with Parkinson’s disease to experience symptoms of RLS
Kidney disease
Research shows that about 6 to 62% of individuals with chronic kidney disease also suffer from Willis-Ekbom disease. Although the trigger, in this case, is ambiguous, scientists have related this to anemia playing a major role.
Pregnancy
Restless legs during pregnancy may be triggered by hormonal imbalance. Studies show that there is a 10-30% chance of pregnant women experiencing restless legs episodes.
Nevertheless, not all restless legs episodes develop into a disorder and such may fade 4 weeks after giving birth.
Opiate withdrawal
Opioids, such as oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, and tramadol can be used as pain medication. However, when abused the body develops an opioid dependence which causes RLS if not fulfilled.
Because these drugs relax the body, their withdrawal will induce an opposite effect; the same way an alcoholic would develop restlessness once their dependence is not fed.
Read on to know what helps with restless legs from opiate withdrawal.
Opiate withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the level of dependence and duration of abuse, among other factors.
Like any other drug addiction, it can be problematic for an avid opiate abuser to quit using, especially not the cold turkey way.
Some common withdrawal symptoms an opiate abuser may experience include:
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Agitation
Symptoms of restless legs from opiate withdrawal
RLS caused by opiate withdrawal may manifest in the following ways;
- Weird sensations within the limbs that are sometimes difficult to explain. They may be related to aching, itching, creeping, crawling, throbbing, or pulling.
- Twitching of the legs at night. This may get worse during rest or moments of inactivity.
- Pleasurable relief with movement.
- Irregular sleep patterns. Other times, individuals may complain of insomnia.
How to treat RLS from opiate withdrawal
To treat opioid withdrawal-related RLS, one would need to treat opioid addiction. Like any other drug addiction treatment program, this one too takes time.
However, the opiate abuser must first be willing to get treatment. Once this is determined, a doctor may prescribe the following medications to relieve RLS during opiate withdrawal:
Take note that these drugs should not be self-prescribed at any point in time.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos such as Klonopin and valium are sedatives that work to reduce brain activity which will tone down feelings of anxiety, agitation, and irritability. Even so, benzo dosage for opiate withdrawal should not exceed 5 days.
Dopaminergic medications
Medicines such as Cabergoline, Pramipexole, Rotigotine, and Ropinirole increase the happy hormone in the brain which will alleviate RLS symptoms and help you rest.
Clonidine
This drug is commonly prescribed to hypertension patients to reduce anxiety, agitation, and muscle aches which makes it convenient for use in opiate withdrawal. It has been reported to help reduce the severity of RLS.
Marijuana
Although not much research has been provided to unfold how marijuana treats symptoms of RLS, it has been reported to provide positive outcomes when used but only in meager amounts.
If the opiate addiction treatment program does not have immediate effects, some coping mechanisms could be incorporated to relieve pain from RLS.
How to cope with restless legs syndrome from opiate withdrawal
Regular exercise
Studies reveal that regular low-intensity workouts reduce RLS symptoms significantly. You do not have to be a fitness maniac but cycling, swimming, stretching, or walking can go a long way toward recovery.
Taking RLS supplements
Natural herbs such as valerian roots have been reported to alleviate opiate withdrawal restless legs. Also known as “nature’s valium”, valerian herb has compounds that regulate nerve impulses and induce calming/ sedative effects in the body.
Magnesium supplements also ease muscle and nervous tension in patients with restless legs syndrome.
Epsom salt baths
Epsom salt contains sulfates and magnesium which are easily absorbed through the skin to stop opiate withdrawal RLS.
Epsom salt bathwater is known to help in exfoliation, improve nutrient absorption and removal of toxins in the body and, last but not least, relax the nervous system.
Massage
Religiously massaging your legs before bedtime can help stop RLS symptoms. This can be done using a leg massager or handheld massager, or just manually.
Getaway message
It is possible to treat and cure opiate withdrawal restless legs. Adapting the coping mechanisms and following the prescribed treatment plan will help ease the recovery process.
If you or your loved one is struggling with opiate withdrawal-related RLS, seek out professional help as soon as you can.
For more insight, here is our guide on how to help someone going through withdrawal.
