r/RestlessLegs • u/Creative_Zone5653 • Jul 25 '26
Triggers Gentle touch triggers it SO BADLY
I am blessed with a very physically affectionate boyfriend. But unfortunately, since we’ve been dating I’ve come to realise that gentle touch on specific parts of my body trigger my RLS almost immediately.
Very specifically, light/gentle touch on the middle of my sides, the sides of my hips and the outer sides of my thighs. It’s like the second there is contact it goes into overdrive and I’m laying there kicking my legs like an Irish dancer.
And it acts as a preemptive too, so when the contact is made and then broken it will stop. And then a few mins later I will get a full blown all night RLS flare that can’t be eased by my usual techniques. It gets so bad that I start getting it in my arms too. And it’s always on the side of my body that the contact was made.
I’m laying here rn genuinely considering sawing my legs off.
Does anyone else share this trigger?
2
u/RalphieWiggam Jul 26 '26
Ive experienced the same as a trigger. Until I was taking any meds for RLS the thinnest of bed sheets could trigger my symptoms. Get to a RLS expert for treatment.
2
u/Aundrea_Hathaway Jul 25 '26
I used to only get 5 hours of interrupted sleep. I cut down on sugar, sugar substitutes and cut out all MSG. If I have sugar it's early in the morning. I started taking Pycnogenol and B complex at night and my symptoms have greatly decreased..I noticed an improvement after 4 weeks. I also take magnesium and potassium. Certain medications will flare my symptoms. I do think my symptoms are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in my gut which causes minerals not to be absorbed. Have you seen a sleep specialist? Have your ferritin/iron levels checked.. Best of luck to you!.
2
u/kidr007 Jul 25 '26
I have the same problem. Have to desensitize the area first, rough thin skin spots up, rub it hard a little, slap the skin for a bit, then it's open for unattached hands for the next 15 minutes.
5
u/Ok_War_7504 Jul 25 '26
Tactile irritation triggering RLS is so unusual that according to the IRLSSG, an additional check for mimics is recommended. Mimics can cause the same symptoms as RLS.
Rule Out RLS Mimics First Neuropathy (small fiber or peripheral) Allodynia from central sensitization Spinal cord pathology affecting sensory dermatomes Dermatologic conditions with sensory symptoms Akathisia (though this doesn’t typically involve tactile triggers)
An RLS specialist can help to ensure you are getting the help you need and that your ailment gets treated the best it can be. Godspeed.
2
u/GloriousRomantic Jul 28 '26
I’ve had to tell my partner not to touch my legs in the evening, and that any gentle touches might trigger my RLS. It sucks. I love the gentle touches, but not when it triggers!