Have you heard of Anderson Podiatry and his surgical release of nerve sheaths in the legs to treat RLS? Similar to a carpal tunnel release. His clinic is in Colorado, and he has a UA-cam channel, where patients attest to their positive outcome post surgery. I asked him for the specific names of these nerve tunnels, as he refers to them, and whether he believed RLS was a neurological dysfunction or a physical/mechanical issue in the legs. Here is his response: "The common peroneal nerve , the superficial peroneal nerve and the soleal sling tunnel . I think we can inherit the potential for these tunnels to become tight . So yes I believe for many it’s mechanical."
Right now the evidence points toward most of RLS occurring in the brain and not in the legs themselves, though the symptoms are experienced as if they are in the legs. Certain activities (e.g. walking) and stimulation as in this device target feedback from the nerves in the legs that send signals back to the brain to shut off the restless feeling. Until procedures like nerve sheath release are tested in formal trials, it is hard to argue that these would be effective for RLS. Also, many experience problems in the legs themselves that are confused for RLS and if a treatment works, it treated the actual condition and not the RLS for which it was mistaken.
@@andyberkowskimd Thank you for your in-depth reply. I hope everyone suffering with RLS finds your channel. I didn't give Dr. Anderson's nerve release in the legs much credibility until you mentioned research being done on the peroneal nerve, which is one of the nerves Dr. Anderson releases in his surgical protocol. For me, Methadone has been my lifesaver since 2016, so I'm content; but I'm happy that researchers continue to explore the cause and best treatments for this maddening affliction.
Perhaps. I think it is a US based company so my guess it will depend on the regulatory environment for medical device approval and distribution in countries such as Canada.
I'm looking into it now with my provider and Nidra's website. Is there research being done to find the specific cause of RLS and work on that, rather than treat the symptoms?
Out of pocket, the device may be a few thousand dollars, but more insurers are covering most of the cost. It is available in some states and requires a doctor's order as a medical device.
That is a good question. In most cases, the areas of the brain where the signal of RLS is generated that are related to sensations in the legs may be very close to regions that processes sensations in the arms, so perhaps this device could actually work for all areas of the body that are experiencing RLS by just stimulating the nerve in the legs. Most of the problem is not in the legs or arms, but in the brain. The stimulation to the legs is theoretically sending a signal back to the brain to turn off the restlessness sensation generated in the brain.
@@andyberkowskimd interesting, if that were the case though surely someone with RLS in their legs would get relief from waving their arms around? Which we know they don't. Why is that different?
This is a great question. I am not an expert in the technology but the researchers for this device cite that TENS would be too stimulating to sleep through so a higher frequency is needed. See page 10 of this paper (if you can access): jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.10536
Did you get yours? I was all set to get one, but then they told me I had to sign a contract stating that I would pay $7500 if the insurance didn’t cover it. Unfortunately, that was a dealbreaker for me. Did you have to sign the contract?
The field is not currently focusing on periodic limb movements as their presence has not been shown to be of clear concern, warranting treatment at this point. This treatment is specifically for restless legs syndrome whether or not an individual has periodic limb movements that accompany the RLS.
Thank you Andy. I have PLMD of many years duration without RLS. They affect my sleep in precisely the same way as RLS, but the difference is that I don't have the urge to move my legs, it just happens automatically as I am falling asleep. In the UK, treatment is exactly the same as for RLS alone. I've just started trialling a UK variant of this device @@andyberkowskimd
www.relacshealth.com; though the clinic is telemedicine, I am licensed in MI, OH, FL at this time so not anywhere particularly close to Seattle, unfortunately.
The randomized trials were done very well. TIme will tell with real-world use. Devices often avoid the adverse effects of ingesting chemicals so everyone wants these things to work.
Hi! I was diagnose in 2016 and since I've been taking 600 mg pregabalin. I want to stop or take a lower dose. Does a TENS have some studies as a 2nd line treatment? 🫰🏻
I have purchased a vibrating heating pad, which is 33 inches wide. I put it on the high vibration with no heat and lay it against the areas just below my knees on the outer and posterior sides. So far it seems to work to prevent the RLS symptoms at least for a few hours, but when it returns that I have to use it again.. But I’ve only been using it for two days so the jury is still out. But I had to do something.
Have you heard of Anderson Podiatry and his surgical release of nerve sheaths in the legs to treat RLS? Similar to a carpal tunnel release. His clinic is in Colorado, and he has a UA-cam channel, where patients attest to their positive outcome post surgery. I asked him for the specific names of these nerve tunnels, as he refers to them, and whether he believed RLS was a neurological dysfunction or a physical/mechanical issue in the legs. Here is his response: "The common peroneal nerve , the superficial peroneal nerve and the soleal sling tunnel . I think we can inherit the potential for these tunnels to become tight . So yes I believe for many it’s mechanical."
Right now the evidence points toward most of RLS occurring in the brain and not in the legs themselves, though the symptoms are experienced as if they are in the legs. Certain activities (e.g. walking) and stimulation as in this device target feedback from the nerves in the legs that send signals back to the brain to shut off the restless feeling. Until procedures like nerve sheath release are tested in formal trials, it is hard to argue that these would be effective for RLS. Also, many experience problems in the legs themselves that are confused for RLS and if a treatment works, it treated the actual condition and not the RLS for which it was mistaken.
@@andyberkowskimd Thank you for your in-depth reply. I hope everyone suffering with RLS finds your channel. I didn't give Dr. Anderson's nerve release in the legs much credibility until you mentioned research being done on the peroneal nerve, which is one of the nerves Dr. Anderson releases in his surgical protocol. For me, Methadone has been my lifesaver since 2016, so I'm content; but I'm happy that researchers continue to explore the cause and best treatments for this maddening affliction.
Any luck for us Aussies?
I get rls every night in my arms,shoulders,and legs. I can’t take it anymore
They are looking into this for over active bladder
Yes, but probably different nerves for the bladder.
Im in canada so I bet its gonna be while before its available here
Perhaps. I think it is a US based company so my guess it will depend on the regulatory environment for medical device approval and distribution in countries such as Canada.
I'm looking into it now with my provider and Nidra's website. Is there research being done to find the specific cause of RLS and work on that, rather than treat the symptoms?
How much does this device cost and where can I buy it?
Out of pocket, the device may be a few thousand dollars, but more insurers are covering most of the cost. It is available in some states and requires a doctor's order as a medical device.
Where would the best place for nerve stimulation be if the RLS was in the arm?
That is a good question. In most cases, the areas of the brain where the signal of RLS is generated that are related to sensations in the legs may be very close to regions that processes sensations in the arms, so perhaps this device could actually work for all areas of the body that are experiencing RLS by just stimulating the nerve in the legs. Most of the problem is not in the legs or arms, but in the brain. The stimulation to the legs is theoretically sending a signal back to the brain to turn off the restlessness sensation generated in the brain.
@@andyberkowskimd interesting, if that were the case though surely someone with RLS in their legs would get relief from waving their arms around? Which we know they don't. Why is that different?
How can I get one of these when they come out? Sounds very hopeful for a condition that has disrupted my sleep for 30 years!!
@fuego3517 sometimes I can release "some" of the discomfort in other parts of my body .
Do you this will work for somebody who has RLS and CMT?
Would a TENS machine work the same way?
This is a great question. I am not an expert in the technology but the researchers for this device cite that TENS would be too stimulating to sleep through so a higher frequency is needed. See page 10 of this paper (if you can access):
jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.10536
Mine is on the way. I sure hope it works. Oxycodone is my last resort and I am allergic! I haven't slept. I have had for 20 years
That's great. I have not had anyone get their device as of yet...
Hello, my wife suffers terribly with RLS. Can I ask how you went about getting this device?
Did you get yours? Is it working?
Did you get yours?
I was all set to get one, but then they told me I had to sign a contract stating that I would pay $7500 if the insurance didn’t cover it. Unfortunately, that was a dealbreaker for me.
Did you have to sign the contract?
is this likely to be useful for involuntary limb movement disorder?
The field is not currently focusing on periodic limb movements as their presence has not been shown to be of clear concern, warranting treatment at this point. This treatment is specifically for restless legs syndrome whether or not an individual has periodic limb movements that accompany the RLS.
Thank you Andy. I have PLMD of many years duration without RLS. They affect my sleep in precisely the same way as RLS, but the difference is that I don't have the urge to move my legs, it just happens automatically as I am falling asleep. In the UK, treatment is exactly the same as for RLS alone. I've just started trialling a UK variant of this device @@andyberkowskimd
Where r u Doctor located? Can i come to you to see me? I live i Seattle and i struggle with RLS for 30 years
www.relacshealth.com; though the clinic is telemedicine, I am licensed in MI, OH, FL at this time so not anywhere particularly close to Seattle, unfortunately.
Hope it's not snake oil. If real, definitely better than medication.
The randomized trials were done very well. TIme will tell with real-world use. Devices often avoid the adverse effects of ingesting chemicals so everyone wants these things to work.
Hi! I was diagnose in 2016 and since I've been taking 600 mg pregabalin. I want to stop or take a lower dose. Does a TENS have some studies as a 2nd line treatment? 🫰🏻
I have purchased a vibrating heating pad, which is 33 inches wide. I put it on the high vibration with no heat and lay it against the areas just below my knees on the outer and posterior sides. So far it seems to work to prevent the RLS symptoms at least for a few hours, but when it returns that I have to use it again.. But I’ve only been using it for two days so the jury is still out. But I had to do something.