Constant twitches in calves and feet 24/7

[Gemigal]

My boyfriend has been experiencing constant twitching in his calves and feet for 4 to 5 years now.  He says it feels like his feet and calves are buzzing.  I'm concerned because just looking at his legs and feet you can see the movement clearly.  It appears as if there is pulsing right beneath his skin. Like electical currents running right beneath the skin.  He has a horrible time focusing his attention because of it.  We've read a lot about Restless Leg Syndrome and though there are some similarities the "buzzing" he feels and the movement I clearly see under his skin, doesn't match up.   It makes it very hard for him to relax and sleep.  He has been extremely dependant on Ambien to get to sleep at night.  He does not have insurance, nor the money to spend on doctors to try and diagnose what ever condition this is he may have.   Any advise would be extremely appreciated.  If we could, at the very least, narrow down where he might go to seek help without having to visit 10 doctors first would be great.

[ggreg]

To add to what the good doctor has said, I can tell you I have RLS and I can see that same rippling under the skin in the calf muscle fibers.  However, I also have a long-term injury to my spine from a car accident, that has worsened over the years, until I believe that's what triggered my RLS, altho the cause for the syndrome is unknown.  A neurologist confirmed my diganosis, despite my urgency concerning my back getting worse.  Anyhow, I take opiate derivative medications for five years now, with only one increase in dose, and the relief it gives me is huge.  That is why I think it is important to also continue considering RLS as a problem, and since the doc here has now mentioned neuropathy, then for either situation, a neurologist is the man to see.  

To first rule out the non-nerve problems the doc here suggested, you could go to the county health department and have blood drawn, get them to run labs on his blood sugars, vitamin levels, and thyroid numbers.  The health department is very inexpensive.  And while a neuro is the best specialist to see if nothing turns up, could be one of the physicians at the health department will recognize RLS and give him meds for it, there are several that are non-narcotic that they would be willing to give him.  If neuropathy is the problem, same thing, the clinician should also recognize it from exam, and may be able to offer medications for that, as well.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Your boyfriend’s symptoms seem to indicate a problem with the nerves like peripheral neuropathy or nerve impingement.
Peripheral neuropathy can occur due to deficiency of vitamin B 12, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction. This requires are clinical evaluation by his physician. In the meantime he can take B complex supplements available OTC and see if they help.

Thanks