Twitchy Legs

[fanachan]

My husband's legs will twitch when he's in his recliner with legs up and when he's in bed. He continues to twitch while he's asleep. Sometimes, he twitches and jerks so much, I have to sleep on the couch. We have even discussed getting separate beds. He says he doesn't feel the need to walk or move, so I'm thinking RLS is not the culprit. He is 56 years old, rather sedentary and spends allot of time on his feet for his job. Any ideas on what it could be and what we can do about it?

[fanachan]

This does not happen at all during the day. Only when he is falling asleep or is asleep. I read about something called Periodic Limb Movement on the internet. Would these same blood values be indicative of this also?

Thank all of you for your responses.

[Catnip603]

Excellent answer, doctornee!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Apart from RLS it can be peripheral neuropathies like diabetes or due to pinched lumbar nerve or foot arch strain. I would suggest you get the blood levels of the following checked for your husband if they have not already been checked: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, vitamin B complex, or vitamins B1, B3, or B6 and Vitamin D. Generally deficiencies of any of the above can cause muscle twitching and spasms in localized or generalized areas of the body. Get your kidney function, parathyroid gland function and adrenal function tests done because these affect the electrolyte balance in the body. Stress, alcohol, caffeine and fatigue all cause similar symptoms.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Do consult your doctor. Take care!

[M_Pounce]

Low calcium levels could cause twitchiness.  While he may not feel a overwhelming need to walk, RLS treatments may still help him.

Has he been evaluated by a doctor? Twitchiness in legs can also be correlated with kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson's, peripheral neuropathys, anemia and sometimes can be a side effect of medication.

Touch base with the doctor and see if the twitchiness is 2ndry to something else.  If it's not, he or she can at least give you ideas and treatments for the general twitchiness!

Good luck and keep us posted!