Chronic throbbing aching leg pain only at night for 20 years

[Alexandra_M1984]

Hi, I'm 25 years old and have had severe throbbing, aching leg pain at night since I was 5 years old. The only other usefull (maybe??) info I have is I was born premature at 26 weeks.

The pain is usually one leg, either...and can be in the thigh region or below the knee around the calf muscle. It can be the whole leg, alternating legs or just a portion. I was told it was growing pains until I was 15, then I saw rheumatologists, spinal surgeons, tried tonic water, quinnine tablets, vitamins, heat packs, hot baths, bandages.  When I was younger it would occur maybe every once a month, however over last few years its much more frequent.

It wakes me up at night and the only logical pattern is I have often walk a little more that day than normal, or stood up a bit longer than normal. Generally I know when its going to happen as I get a slight tingle (not numbing) in my legs prior. The pain is so severe I end up in tears and wish I could cut my legs off, its like having my legs squeezed between a vice and if you were to put a pin in my leg it would explode from the pressure. If i try to stand up, walk or even move the pain intensifies by 100 times. I usually get before going to bed or I wake up at 2am with it. The only aid is ibuprofen and compression bandages. But after nearly 20 years of suffering i'm looking for some help?! I am seeing a vascular surgeon next week for his advice and hopefully some tests so i will post updates. If anyone has any advice on what this might be, i would greatly appreciate it.

[Alexandra_M1984]

Thank you so much for your response.  My only query with RSL...isn't it supposed to be relieved by moving around and dangling your legs? Dont sufferers often get jittery legs? I cant even move an inch when I get the pain and end up hobbling like an old lady to the nearest space on the floor or bed so I can lie down.  I will definitely look into some research but I had always ruled it out due to my pain being so intensified by movement.

Thanks again, I really apprecaite it. I will post back an update once I see the vascular guy next week.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
Since this has been going on for years there is every chance that what you are suffering from is restless leg syndrome.
Try decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Taking a hot bath and massage the legs with warm oil or a heating pad. Some benefit by using an ice pack.
There are some organizations working towards research in this line. Maybe you can contact them. One such organization is
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
1610 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901-0229
Suite 300
Rochester, MN   55902-2985
http://www.rls.org
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!