Restless Legs and Its Connection to Anxiety Disorders

Easily movable legs?

I have a tendency for my feet to collide with each other, or my big toes to intertwine tightly; I refer to this as "restless legs." Additionally, I notice that when I wake up in the morning, I feel very excited and like to move around, even running to buy breakfast first.
After that, I want to ride my scooter around before returning home to lie in bed for about an hour before brushing my teeth.
I feel like my mind is always restless.
I previously read online that "meditation is not suitable" for me.
My doctor prescribed me Entresto, which I actually requested.
He mentioned that it is contraindicated for bronchitis and asthma, but later, after I showed him that another doctor had prescribed the same medication, he agreed to prescribe it to me.
However, after taking it for two or three days, the symptoms mentioned above have not been controlled.
I would like to know if there are any conditions that could explain my symptoms, as the term "restless legs" is related to sleep.
I also refer to my foot condition as an alternative form of restless legs.
Could you please explain this to help me understand my situation better?

u, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/07

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, when we visit a doctor, it is mostly because we have noticed some unusual or uncomfortable symptoms.
However, there may be other symptoms that we are not aware of or do not pay much attention to, which are important for diagnosing our condition.
Online responses to questions like yours can easily fall into the trap of "blind men touching an elephant," as we cannot make comprehensive judgments about your concerns and the issues you haven't mentioned.
This situation can also apply to conditions like manic episodes in bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and so on.
However, your psychiatrist is the one who knows best whether you have any of these issues.
In fact, I do not recommend seeking distant advice; if you have concerns, you should consult your doctor in person.
It is best not to ask unqualified individuals or consult someone like us who has not seen you.
While obtaining some medical knowledge online is generally acceptable, it is not suitable to ask others whether we have any health problems.
If you lack confidence in your psychiatrist, I suggest you consider finding another one for a proper evaluation.
Wishing you all the best.
Sincerely, Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan.

Reply Date: 2013/09/07

More Info

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), often described as an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that creates an irresistible urge to move them, can indeed be linked to anxiety disorders and other psychological conditions. Your description of "不寧腿" (unrestful legs) suggests that you experience a physical restlessness that may be exacerbated by anxiety or other emotional states.
RLS is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, typically described as creeping, crawling, tingling, or burning. These sensations often lead to an overwhelming urge to move the legs, especially during periods of inactivity or when trying to sleep. The condition can significantly disrupt sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and increased anxiety, creating a vicious cycle where anxiety exacerbates RLS symptoms, and RLS symptoms increase anxiety.

Your experience of waking up feeling excited and needing to move around, as well as your difficulty in calming your mind, may indicate a heightened state of arousal or anxiety. This can be common in individuals with anxiety disorders, where the body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, leading to restlessness and a sense of urgency. The fact that you feel the need to engage in physical activities, such as running to buy breakfast or riding your motorcycle, may be a way for your body to cope with this heightened state of anxiety.

The medication you mentioned, Entral (likely referring to a medication like Entacapone or a similar drug), is sometimes prescribed for conditions like RLS, but it is essential to note that not all medications work the same for everyone. If you have not seen improvement after a few days, it may be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of adjusting your treatment plan. There are various treatment options for RLS, including lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and different medications that may be more effective for your specific symptoms.

Additionally, anxiety disorders can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing. The connection between anxiety and RLS can be complex, as anxiety may worsen RLS symptoms, and RLS can contribute to increased anxiety due to sleep disturbances and discomfort.

To better understand your situation, consider the following:
1. Consultation with a Specialist: It may be beneficial to consult with a neurologist or a sleep specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Engaging in CBT or other forms of therapy can help address anxiety and teach coping strategies to manage both anxiety and RLS symptoms.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

4. Medication Review: If the current medication is not effective, discuss alternative medications with your healthcare provider. There are several options available for managing RLS, including dopaminergic agents, anticonvulsants, and opioids in severe cases.

5. Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a calming bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help improve sleep quality and reduce RLS symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms of restless legs and the associated feelings of excitement and restlessness may be interconnected with anxiety. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to explore all potential treatment options and find a comprehensive approach that addresses both your physical and psychological symptoms. Understanding the relationship between RLS and anxiety can empower you to take proactive steps toward managing your condition effectively.

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