Hi, I’m hoping somebody here can help. I was diagnosed with ppms at the end of 2009 but in the last 6 months I am suffering from twitching legs when I go to bed. Usually it takes about an hour after going to bed before it starts and it keeps going for a few hours keeping me awake and I eventually fall asleep. It can then start again in the morning. Its really annoying. My next Neuros appointment is a few nonths away but in the meantime I’m just looking to see if there are people here with the same thing and how they are coping with it.
Hi Martell, yes hon, they are muscle spasms. Sorry to say they are common with MS.
Are you on any med’s? There are med’s that can help. If you need advice come back and ask for med’s advice, or you could go and see GP or contact neuro or MS nurse and explain the problem.
Don’t suffer when there is stuff to help.
Here is the link on this site which explains more about spasms and med’s:
Not sure if I’ve seen you on here before, so if not, welcome,
Hope you’re having a nice weekend,
Pat x
Hi Martell I suffer from leg twitches don’t really know what brings on to be honest Like pat said are you on meds,I take baclofen and amitriptyline at night don’t Suffer as frequently not totally gone and pain when does happen,so tired when does happen feels like been in gym for 1hr have word with gp and neuro all best Steve
Hello Pat & nathan.
Thank you so much for the welcome. I’ve only posted on here a few times but only yesterday discovered the ppms forum so it will keep be interested for some time to come.
I’m not on any meds for the spasms or indeed for the ms either but its good to know that there are ones available. I 'll wait for my next neuro’s visit and see what he advises.
Best of luck to you both…Paddy
Hi Paddy, I always have leg twitches which are heralded by a feeling like an electric shock. More common when sat still or in bed. I don’t take meds for this as they don’t bother me terribly atm but I guess that may change if they get worse. Hope you get something to help. In the meantime, welcome to the board! Teresa xx
Hello Teresa
Yes thats what they are like and they are very annoying not painful just annoying. What I usually do is bend my leg back up towards my bum helps a small bit but doesn’t stop them. I’m the same as you they don’t bother me too much but I would rather be without them at the same time.I was hoping there might be some way of controlling them other than taking meds but I don’t think thats the case.
Take care!
Paddy
Hello Teresa
Yes thats what they are like and they are very annoying not painful just annoying. What I usually do is bend my leg back up towards my bum helps a small bit but doesn’t stop them. I’m the same as you they don’t bother me too much but I would rather be without them at the same time.I was hoping there might be some way of controlling them other than taking meds but I don’t think thats the case.
Take care!
Paddy
Hi Paddy, yes l get the as well, l bend my legs up or put a pillow under my knees. mine start about 10 at night and go on untill l go to bed. the meds l take help a little but upet set my tum so don t like taking them . Glad you found us we are a brill bunch always someone to help with any thing.
Regards Jan
Hi Jan, yes I can see that there loads of helpful people here and I suppose we’re all in the same boat. I tried the pillow as well but bending my legs seems to work a bit better. The funny thing is my twitches only start after I go to bed usually about an hour after.If I can manage to fall asleep before they start I’m not too bad.
All the best
Paddy
Hi Jan, yes I can see that there loads of helpful people here and I suppose we’re all in the same boat. I tried the pillow as well but bending my legs seems to work a bit better. The funny thing is my twitches only start after I go to bed usually about an hour after.If I can manage to fall asleep before they start I’m not too bad.
All the best
Paddy
I’ve just discovered my posts are going in twice. I apologise for this and I’m not sure why its happening as I’m only pressing the post button once.
Fixed
I’m on clonazepam for leg twitches, which used to wreck my sleep. I’m fine on this, but I think it’s weaker than Baclofen so it only helps some people. However, it doesn’t have muscle weakening effect that can come with Baclofen. I used to be able to manage leg twitching by doing exercises before bed, so definitely worth trying this. Once I got to the stage where I had to get up in the night to do the exercises I decided drugs were a better option.
Hi all,
I have Botox injections into my right leg, which is my ‘bad’ leg, and they completely stop the spasms and twitching at night or when I’ve put my feet up to watch a bit of TV, plus they release quite a bit of spasticity and make walking easier. Definitely recommended if you can get them. The injections don’t hurt, just a pinprick sensation, and I’m told they are completely safe.
Chris
Hmmm thats interesting.
Just reading all the posts shows how widespread the twitching is. Lying on one side helps sometimes but that can cause other problems. I think a lot of us are resigned to having disrupted sleep which is never helpful considering our propensity for being affected by fatigue. Would it be churlish to suggest a large glass of something strong? Seeking advice from the GP as an intial move seems a good idea.
Cheers.
My right foot twitches sometimes in bed. I’ve tried lying on my front with my foot stretched out, or at the bottom of the mattress but nothing works until I nod off. Not on any meds as it’s not too much of a concern right now.
Leg twitches are rather annoying, rather than painful. I’ve had them for @ 3 years. I usually get them at night when I’ve done too much, or if I am stressed.
My neuro prescribed Gabapentin. I find this very effective for twitching. It has also helped the very painful sensation of a burning match randomly targeting my thighs and bum! As my symptoms got worse, I tried inclreasing the dose, but found that I quickly bloated-up. Afternoon tea involves a well-known herbal cake. No Gabapentin after 12:00. No bloating, twitches, burning and some numbness gone.
Good luck in finding the right treatment for yourself. If you can’t get hold of your Neuro, most MS nurses will prescribe, so don’t suffer.