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Suggest Treatment For Pain Due To RLS Despite Taking Robinole
Question: I'm 86 years old and suffer from RLS. I take Robinole which often helps a bit, but sometimes nothing helps. Last night my legs were jerking so much I was awake all night. Is there anything else I can try? I'd rather have pain than this!!
Brief Answer:
Other possible treatment options detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, please try to look for other potential causes which can worsen the RLS, namely anemia secondary to iron deficiency, Vit-D3 deficiency, and diabetes. If they're already ruled out, then another medication like Pramipexole can be tried instead of Ropinirole.
Since it's interfering with sleep, some specific Benzodiazepine group of medications can also be introduced along with these (i.e. Clonazepam) and observe how you stay.
Physical therapy can be quite useful too. Daily massage and physical therapy can relax the tensed group of muscles of the lower legs and provide long-term relief.
Some specific devices can also be used for long-term relief, eg. a pneumatic compression device (PCD) over both of the legs. It improves the blood circulation of the lower legs and helps to keep the symptoms in check.
Another, typical device (a bit costlier one though) is called a footwrap (i.e. Restiff) which exerts pressure on the certain point of the foot thus sends signals to the brain which in turn relaxes the muscle groups.
Among alternative therapy, Acupuncture can also be tried for long-term relief.
So, as you see, there are numerous other options available for further management. However, it's important to discuss these with your doctor and proceed further as s/he'll be the one supervising your daily progress.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.
Regards
Other possible treatment options detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, please try to look for other potential causes which can worsen the RLS, namely anemia secondary to iron deficiency, Vit-D3 deficiency, and diabetes. If they're already ruled out, then another medication like Pramipexole can be tried instead of Ropinirole.
Since it's interfering with sleep, some specific Benzodiazepine group of medications can also be introduced along with these (i.e. Clonazepam) and observe how you stay.
Physical therapy can be quite useful too. Daily massage and physical therapy can relax the tensed group of muscles of the lower legs and provide long-term relief.
Some specific devices can also be used for long-term relief, eg. a pneumatic compression device (PCD) over both of the legs. It improves the blood circulation of the lower legs and helps to keep the symptoms in check.
Another, typical device (a bit costlier one though) is called a footwrap (i.e. Restiff) which exerts pressure on the certain point of the foot thus sends signals to the brain which in turn relaxes the muscle groups.
Among alternative therapy, Acupuncture can also be tried for long-term relief.
So, as you see, there are numerous other options available for further management. However, it's important to discuss these with your doctor and proceed further as s/he'll be the one supervising your daily progress.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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