Can Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Be Painful?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition defined by a discomfort and an urge to move the legs, but in some cases, can it be painful? ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health assesses the nature of pain in cases of RLS.
Among the topics addressed:
- The possibility of painful variant(s) of RLS that may throw off the usual diagnosis
- Differences between non-painful and painful RLS
- How the chemicals of the opioid system play a role in pain in RLS
- The usual treatment approaches to RLS including those with painful RLS
- Avoiding the use of dopamine agonists in RLS and the fact that some cases of augmentation can turn into painful RLS
- How opioid medications may be disproportionally more effective for those with painful RLS compared to first-line treatments.
Why dopamine agonists like pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine should NOT be used in the treatment of restless legs syndrome:
www.relacsheal...
The draft of the 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of RLS by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) was released recently and dopamine agonists are NOT recommended. Watch the video reviewing the draft recommendations featuring ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health:
www.relacsheal...
If opioids are needed for painful as well as non-painful RLS, why might buprenorphine be the preferred treatment?
• Buprenorphine for Rest...
Read why doctors are generally unwilling to prescribe opioids for RLS, despite their powerful effect:
www.relacsheal...
For more information on painful RLS, read George Washington University Neurologist Dr. Elias Karroum's review on painful RLS: www.degruyter....
What is the melanocortin system? For those who want to get into the weeds with the latest research on the opioid system and RLS read this research paper by Dr. Brian Koo of Yale:
onlinelibrary....
These videos are for general medical information only, but for those who live in or near Michigan, Ohio, Florida, or a state with telemedicine exemptions, you can hire ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health to provide the final word on whether you have painful RLS and how best to treat it. He can be your personal doctor to address RLS and any other sleep concerns that need a little more time, expertise, and detail-oriented care. Go to www.relacsheal... for more information.

[@cynthiabattie6909]

Thanks

[@martinm.1967]

Please do a video on Bupropion for treating restless legs...

[@martinm.1967]

Please do a video on trigger medications (SSRIs, H1 antihistamines, Melatonin, antipsychotics). Thank you.

[@robertnewell5057]

A model of clarity, Andy.

[@marybethsiegel6121]

Thank you! I am a 69 y/o retired nurse who has had painful RLS since the age of five. I used to wonder why my legs ached so horribly during pregnancy.

[@user-du3ro5fs4h]

Yes, it can be a quick sharp painful feeling making the leg kick