Re: Constant foot and leg shaking

[sdwa]

Are you bothered by it because it bugs other people, or because it makes you physically uncomfortable? I also have tapped my feet or drummed my fingers compulsively, or done a lot of pacing, due to what I’d describe as nervous energy, restlessness, or boredom. But depending upon the situation, it can also help me focus – as in the case of doodling while listening to other people talk. I don’t know why, but doodling makes it easier for me to follow a conversation. I’ve done a fair amount of rocking, also. When I’m alone, none of these behaviors are a problem. And in public? Well, the benefit might be to give me more space, LOL. Since I went on Concerta, I do these things far less often or with less intensity.

You may not want to hear this, but have you considered just not worrying about it? I would have guessed, and it sounds like I’m correct based on what Dr. Jain says above, that this general twitchiness is not Restless Leg Syndrome. Personally, I think it’s just part of the ADHD package deal. Some of us are twitchy. So what? I’ve found it’s very helpful to go outside in an attractive natural setting, where there are trees, flowers, water, sky, etc. Being in a natural environment tends to calm me down.

The thing that gets me is that we are who we are, wired the way we are – you know? Are there other things you could do instead of leg shaking that would be less noticeable to other people? If you tap your hands, maybe you could learn to knit or crochet instead, so you’d have a repetitive movement to do that wouldn’t be so conspicuous. It’s quite socially acceptable. What other activities are repetitive like being twitchy but are considered publicly okay to do? What about taking up a musical instrument like the ukelele? Anyway, you see my point.

At night I get leg cramps and kick involuntarily, but I think this is because of the medication I’m on, when I’m coming off it for the day, not in spite of it.

Try not to get dehydrated.

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